Tightening mechanisms and applications including the same

ABSTRACT

This disclosure relates to articles that include a tightening mechanism, such as reel-based lace tightening mechanism, configured to tighten the article by rotation of a knob. The articles can include a concealing portion that is configured to conceal or protect at least a portion of the tightening mechanism, such as the knob. The concealing portion can be configured to prevent unintentional actuation of the tightening mechanism, such as during contact sports. The concealing portion can be configured to hide the tightening mechanism from view to improve the visual appearance of the article. The concealing portion can be collapsible such that a user can press the concealing portion down to expose the knob of the tightening mechanism.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/191,281, filed Jun. 23, 2016, entitled “TighteningMechanisms and Applications Including the Same”, which is a continuationof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/829,601, filed Mar. 14, 2013,entitled “Tightening Mechanisms and Applications Including the Same,”which claims priority to Provisional U.S. Patent Application No.61/611,418, filed Mar. 15, 2012, entitled “Tightening Mechanisms andApplications Including the Same.” This application is also acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/973,917,filed Aug. 22, 2013, entitled “Reel Based Lacing System”, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/098,276, filed Apr.29, 2011, entitled “Reel Based Lacing System”, which claims priority toProvisional U.S. Patent Application No. 61/330,129, filed Apr. 30, 2010,entitled “Reel Based Lacing System.” The entire disclosures of allaforementioned applications are hereby incorporated by reference, forall purposes, as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Disclosure

Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to articles (e.g.,shoes, boots, braces, and other wearable articles) that use tighteningsystems (e.g., lacing systems).

Description of the Related Art

Although various lacing systems are available for use in connection withvarious wearable articles, existing lacing systems suffer from variousdrawbacks. For example, some lacing systems include an exposed lacetightening mechanism, which can be visually unappealing. Also, duringcontact sports and some other uses, the exposed lace tighteningmechanism can be damaged or unintentionally actuated (e.g., loosened).Accordingly, there persists a need for lacing systems that include aconcealed or protected lace tightening mechanism.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to an article that includesa base material and a tightening mechanism coupled to the base material.The tightening mechanism can include a rotatable knob, and rotation ofthe knob in a tightening direction can tighten the article. The articlecan include a concealing portion that can extend upward from the basematerial and can at least partially radially surround the tighteningmechanism. At least a portion of the rotatable knob can be rearward orinward of an outer surface of the concealing portion. In someembodiments, a majority of the rotatable knob can be rearward or inwardof the outer surface of the concealing portion. In some embodiments,substantially the entire rotatable knob can be rearward or inward of theouter surface of the concealing portion. In some embodiments, a topsurface of the rotatable knob can be substantially flush with the outersurface of the concealing portion.

The concealing portion can include a compressible area, and compressionof the compressible area can displace the outer surface of theconcealing portion from a first position to a second position, and thesecond position can have a lower height than the first position. Thecompressible area can include compressible foam. The concealing portioncan include a second foam material that is less compressible than thecompressible foam, and the second foam material can at least partiallyradially surround the compressible foam. The compressible foam can beresilient and can facilitate return of the outer surface from the secondposition to the first position when a compressing force is not applied.The compressible area can include one or more collapsible recesses.

The base material can include a hole, and at least a portion of thetightening mechanism can extend through the hole in the base material.

In some embodiments, the concealing portion can radially surround thetightening mechanism by a full 360 degrees.

The concealing portion can include first and second areas onsubstantially opposite sides of the tightening mechanism from eachother, and third and fourth areas on substantially opposite sides fromeach other. The heights of the first and second areas of the concealingportion can be greater than the heights of the third and fourth areas ofthe concealing portion such that the rotatable knob can be more exposedat the third and fourth areas than at the first and second areas.

In one embodiment, an article (e.g., shoe, boot, apparel, and the like)may include a base material (e.g., heel, tongue, outsole, and the like)and a tightening mechanism coupled to the base material. The tighteningmechanism may include a rotatable knob, wherein rotation of the knob ina tightening direction tightens the article. A compressible material maybe coupled with a body (e.g., a housing) of the tightening mechanism.The compressible material may be positioned under a top layer of thebase material so as to provide a transition between the body of thetightening mechanism and the base material to conceal edges of the bodyfrom view of a user. A concealing portion may extend upward from thebase material and at least partially radially surround the tighteningmechanism. At least a portion of the rotatable knob may be positionedrearward of an outer surface of the concealing portion so as to concealthe portion of the knob or the entire knob.

In one embodiment, the compressible material may include a foam materialhaving a durometer of between about 10 and about 25 Shore A. In someembodiments, a relatively rigid mounting component (e.g., a bayonet) maybe coupled with the compressible material and the base material. Thebody of the tightening mechanism may be coupled with the mountingcomponent to limit distortion of the compressible material as the knobis rotated in a tightening direction to tighten the article. In someembodiments, the body of the tightening mechanism may be integrallyformed with one or more components of the base material. In a specificembodiment, the base material may comprise a shoe or a portion orcomponent thereof, and the tightening mechanism and compressiblematerial may be coupled with a heel portion of the shoe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments are depicted in the accompanying drawings forillustrative purposes, and should in no way be interpreted as limitingthe scope of the inventions.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example embodiment of a shoe thatincludes a reel-based tightening system

FIG. 2 is a side view of the shoe of FIG. 1 with the concealing portionof the shoe in a first or uncompressed position.

FIG. 3A is a side view of the shoe of FIG. 1 with the concealing portionof the shoe in a second or compressed position.

FIG. 3B shows another example implementation of a shoe with a concealingportion having compressible portions on the sides of a tighteningmechanism.

FIG. 3C is another view of the shoe of FIG. 3B.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of atightening mechanism incorporated into an article and at least partiallysurrounded by a concealing portion.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example embodimentof a tightening mechanism incorporated into an article and at leastpartially surrounded by a concealing portion.

FIG. 6A is a schematic cross-sectional view of another exampleembodiment of a tightening mechanism incorporated into an article and atleast partially surrounded by a concealing portion.

FIG. 6B is a schematic partially cross-sectional view showing an exampleembodiment of a concealing portion having recesses or cutouts formed toallow a user to operate a tightening mechanism.

FIG. 7 is a back view of an example embodiment of a boot having atightening mechanism incorporated into the heel portion thereof.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the boot of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows a side view of an example embodiment of a shoe with aconcealing portion in an uncompressed position.

FIG. 10A shows the shoe of FIG. 9 with the concealing portion in acompressed position

FIG. 10B shows another example implementation of a shoe with aconcealing portion.

FIG. 11 is an exploded isometric view of a tightening mechanism.

FIG. 12 shows a securing member and being coupled to an upper materialof a shoe.

FIG. 13 shows the securing member stitched to the upper material.

FIG. 14 shows a housing being coupled to the securing member.

FIG. 15 shows the housing and the securing member in an engagedconfiguration.

FIG. 16 is a detailed view of the engagement members of the securingmember and the housing.

FIGS. 17-20 shows lace channels being applied to the upper material ofthe shoe.

FIG. 21 shows a foxing layer of the show with a foam spacer appliedthereto.

FIG. 22 shows the foxing layer being applied to the shoe.

FIG. 23A shows a cross-sectional view of the foam spacer.

FIG. 23B shows a cross-sectional view of another example embodiment of afoam piece that can be used with some embodiment discussed herein.

FIG. 23C shows a cross-sectional view of another example embodiment of afoam piece that can be used with some embodiment discussed herein.

FIG. 24 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an example embodimentof a tightening mechanism at least partially surrounded by a concealingportion in an uncompressed state.

FIG. 25 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a tightening mechanismwith a concealing portion in a compressed state.

FIG. 26 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a tightening mechanismwith a concealing portion having areas with different levels ofcompressibility.

FIG. 27 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a tightening mechanismwith a concealing portion having a recess formed therein.

FIG. 28 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a tightening mechanismwith a concealing portion having grooves formed therein.

FIG. 29 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a tightening mechanismwith a concealing portion having cavities formed therein.

FIG. 30 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a tightening mechanismwith a shielding element.

FIG. 31 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a tightening mechanismwith a concealing portion that encloses a compressible material.

FIG. 32A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a tighteningmechanism with a concealing portion that includes an exposedcompressible material.

FIG. 32B shows an example implementation of a tightening mechanism andconcealing portion.

FIG. 32C shows yet another example implementation of a tighteningmechanism 508 and concealing portion.

FIG. 33 is an exploded isometric view of a tightening mechanism.

FIG. 34 shows a securing member being coupled to an upper material of ashoe.

FIG. 35A shows a foxing layer and spacer being applied over the securingmember.

FIG. 35B shows a lace channel being applied to the upper material.

FIG. 35C shows the assembly being back-part molded.

FIG. 36 shows a housing being coupled to the securing member.

FIG. 37A shows a spool and knob being coupled to the housing.

FIG. 37B shows an example embodiment having a single piece thatincorporates a securing member and a housing.

FIG. 37C shows a foxing layer being applied over the single piece thatincorporates the securing member and the housing.

FIG. 38 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tightening mechanismand concealing portion taken in a plane that intersects shieldingelements.

FIG. 39 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tightening mechanismand concealing portion taken in a plane in which the concealing portionhas a reduced height that is lower than in the plane of FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tightening mechanismand concealing portion in which the concealing portion can becompressed.

FIG. 41 is an exploded view of an example implementation of a tighteningmechanism and a concealing portion.

FIG. 42 shows the assembled tightening mechanism and concealing portionof FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 is a side view of the tightening mechanism and concealingportion of FIG. 41.

FIG. 44 is a side view of a shoe having a tightening mechanism and aconcealing portion at least partially surrounding the tighteningmechanism.

FIG. 45 shows a shaping member with a housing of the tighteningmechanism mounted thereto.

FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of the shoe of FIG. 44 showing theconcealing portion and the housing coupled to the shoe.

FIG. 47 is a side view of a shoe having a tightening mechanism and aconcealing portion at least partially surrounding the tighteningmechanism.

FIG. 48 shows another view of the shoe of FIG. 47.

FIG. 49 shows a spacer that can be configured to provide the shape ofthe concealing portion of FIG. 47.

FIG. 50 is an isometric view of a boot having a tightening mechanismmounted onto the tongue of the boot and a concealing portion at leastpartially surrounding the tightening mechanism.

FIG. 51 is a side view of the boot of FIG. 50.

FIG. 52 is a detailed view of the concealing portion and tighteningmechanism on the boot of FIG. 50.

FIG. 53 shows a user actuating the tightening mechanism of the boot ofFIG. 50.

FIG. 54 shows a wrist brace having a tightening mechanism and aconcealing portion at least partially surrounding the tighteningmechanism.

FIGS. 55a-c show a housing of a tightening mechanism being coupled witha foam backing material, which is in turn coupled with a shoe or otherapparel.

FIGS. 56a-b show a housing of a tightening mechanism being an integralcomponent of a heel counter of a shoe.

FIGS. 57a-d show a cover plate that is positionable over a housing andknob of a tightening mechanism.

FIG. 58 shows a housing of a tightening mechanism integrally formed withan outsole of a shoe.

FIGS. 59a-b show a housing of a tightening mechanism integrally formedwith an outer material that is coupled with a shoe.

FIGS. 60a-c show a flexible strip of material coupled with a shoe so asto be positioned over a tightening mechanism to hide a portion of thetightening mechanism from view of a user.

FIG. 61 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lacing system in usewith a sport shoe.

FIG. 62 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lacing system.

FIG. 63 is an exploded perspective view of the reel from the lacingsystem of FIG. 62.

FIG. 64 is another exploded perspective view of the reel of FIG. 63.

FIG. 65 is a side view of the reel of FIG. 63 with the knob member shownin a disengaged position drawn in normal lines, and with the knob memberin an engaged position shown drawn in dotted lines.

FIG. 66 is a perspective view of the base member from the reel of FIG.63.

FIG. 67 is a top view of the base member of FIG. 64.

FIG. 68 is a bottom view of the base member of FIG. 64.

FIG. 69 is a cross sectional side view of the base member of FIG. 64.

FIG. 70A is perspective view of the spool member from the reel of FIG.63.

FIG. 70B is a perspective view of another embodiment of a spool member.

FIG. 71 is another perspective view of the spool member of FIG. 70A.

FIG. 72 is a side view of the spool member of FIG. 70A.

FIG. 73A is a cross sectional view of the spool member of FIG. 70A shownwith a lace secured thereto in a first configuration.

FIG. 73B is a cross sectional view of the spool member of FIG. 70A shownwith a lace secured thereto in a second configuration.

FIG. 73C is a perspective view of the spool member of FIG. 70A showing alace being secured to the spool member in a third configuration.

FIG. 73D is a perspective view of the spool member of FIG. 70A showingthe lace being secured to the spool member in a fourth configuration.

FIG. 74 is a top view of the spool member of FIG. 70A shown disposed inthe housing of the base member of FIG. 64.

FIG. 75 is an exploded perspective view of the knob member from the reelof FIG. 63.

FIG. 76 is another exploded perspective view of the knob member fromFIG. 75.

FIG. 77 is a perspective view of a pawl from the knob member of FIG. 75.

FIG. 78 is another perspective view of the pawl from the FIG. 77.

FIG. 79 is a top view of the pawls of FIG. 75 disposed in the knob coreof FIG. 75, with the pawls configured to engage the housing teeth of thehousing.

FIG. 80 is a top view of the pawls of FIG. 75 shown engaged with thehousing teeth on the base member of FIG. 64.

FIG. 81 is a top view of the pawls of FIG. 75 shown displaced radiallyinwardly as the knob member is rotated in the tightening direction.

FIG. 82 is a top view of the spring bushing, fastener, and knob springof FIG. 75 shown assembled with the knob core of FIG. 75.

FIG. 83A is an exploded view of the reel of FIG. 64 shown in an engagedconfiguration.

FIG. 83B is a cross sectional view of the reel of FIG. 64 shown in anengaged configuration.

FIG. 84A is an exploded view of the reel of FIG. 64 shown in adisengaged configuration.

FIG. 84B is a cross sectional view of the reel of FIG. 64 shown in adisengaged configuration.

FIG. 85 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a basemember that can be used in place of the base member of FIG. 64.

FIG. 86 is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a knobcore.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example embodiment of a shoe 100 thatincludes a reel-based tightening system. Although many embodiments arediscussed herein as relating to shoes or other footwear, the embodimentsdisclosed herein can also related to other types of wearable articles,and to other objects that can be tightened and/or loosened (e.g., boots,hats, belts, sandals, gloves, braces, backpacks, snowboard bindings).The shoe 100 of FIG. 1 can include a first portion 102 a and a secondportion 102 b that can be drawn towards each other to tighten the shoe100 and can be moved away from each other to loosen the shoe 100. Thefirst and second portions 102 a and 102 b can be spaced apart forming agap 104 therebetween, or, in some embodiments, the first and secondportions 102 a and 102 b can touch or overlap. A tension member, such asa lace 106, can extend between the first and second portions 102 a and102 b so that increased tension on the lace 106 can cause the first andsecond portions 102 a and 102 b to be drawn together, and so thatreducing tension on the lace 106 can cause the first and second portions102 a and 102 b to move apart from each other. The lace 106 can becoupled to a tightening mechanism 108 that is configured to adjust thetension on the lace 106 for tightening and/or loosening the shoe 100.The shoe 100 can include one or more lace guides 110 configured todirect the lace 106 along a lace path between the first and secondportions 102 a and 102 b of the shoe 100. Although many embodiments aredisclosed as using a lace 106, other tensioning members (e.g., a strap)can be used for the various embodiments disclosed herein.

The tightening mechanism 108 can be mounted onto the heel portion of theshoe 100, as shown in FIG. 1, or to various other portions of the shoe100, such as, for example, to the tongue or to a side portion of theshoe 100. The shoe can also include one or more lace channels 112configured to direct the lace 106 to the tightening mechanism 108, andthe lace channels 112 can be positioned at least partially under anouter layer of the shoe 100 so that the lace channels 112 are at leastpartially hidden from view.

The tightening mechanism 108 can be at least partially concealed orprotected by a concealing portion 114 of the shoe 100 that at leastpartially surrounds the tightening mechanism 108. In come embodiments,the concealing portion 114 can include a compressible area that allowsthe concealing portion 114 to be transitioned between a first,uncompressed position, as shown in FIG. 2, to a second, compressedposition, as shown in FIG. 3A. The concealing portion 114 can becompressible around substantially the full circumference of thetightening mechanism 108, or at only certain portions around thetightening mechanism. 108. For example, in some embodiments, theconcealing portion 114 can be compressible on right and left sides(e.g., at 3- and 9-o'clock) of the tightening mechanism 108 and can besubstantially incompressible at the areas below and/or above (e.g., at6- and 12-o'clock) the tightening mechanism 108 (e.g., as shown in FIGS.3B and 3C). In other embodiments, the concealing portion 114 can becompressible at the areas below and/or above (e.g., at 6- and12-o'clock) the tightening mechanism 108 and can be substantiallyincompressible on right and left sides (e.g., at 3- and 9-o'clock) ofthe tightening mechanism 108. In the uncompressed position shown in FIG.2, the concealing portion 114 of the shoe 100 can surround at least aportion of the tightening mechanism 108 to at least partially hide thetightening mechanism 108 from view, which can improve the visualappearance of the shoe 100. For example, for certain types of wearablearticles (e.g., some golf shoes, running shoes, and casual shoes), thepresence of an exposed tightening mechanism 108 can appear bulky orotherwise be inconsistent with the style of the article. Also, in someembodiments, the undesirable look of an exposed tightening mechanism 108is further compounded on smaller sized shoes. By at least partiallyconcealing the tightening mechanism 108, the concealing portion 114 ofthe shoe 100 can increase the aesthetic appeal of the shoe 100.

Protecting or partially concealing the tightening mechanism 108 with asubstantially resilient concealing portion 114 can allow aestheticallypleasing incorporation of the tightening mechanism 108 with the article.For example, as shoe sizes change, there can be a substantialdimensional reduction in the mounting area in the heel portion of theshoe (e.g., the shoe sizes get smaller). A substantially resilientconcealing portion 114 can be formed around various surfaces to producea visually appealing final structure that may not be possible with anentirely rigid shielding mechanism. As discussed elsewhere herein, theconcealing portion 114 can incorporate some rigid components while stillpermitting adaptation to different sized areas.

In some embodiments, the concealing portion 114 can protect thetightening mechanism 108 from damage and/or unintentional actuation. Forexample, an exposed tightening mechanism 108 can be unintentionallyactuated when, for example, the tightening mechanism 108 is struckduring contact sports. In some embodiments, unintentional actuation ofthe tightening mechanism 108 can unintentionally loosen the lace 106 orcan over-tighten the lace 106, which can cause discomfort and candegrade the performance of an athlete. By at least partially concealingthe tightening mechanism 108, the concealing portion 114 of the shoe 100can protect the tightening mechanism 108 from being unintentionallyactuated or damaged.

When a compressing force (shown schematically by arrows in FIG. 3A) isapplied to the concealing portion 114, the collapsible area can collapsethereby transitioning the concealed portion 114 to the second orcollapsed position, thereby increasing the amount of the tighteningmechanism 108 that is exposed. The tightening mechanism 108 can includea rotatable knob 116 that is configured to be rotatable about an axis118. Rotation of the knob 116 in a tightening direction (e.g.,clockwise) can tighten the shoe 100, for example, by gathering lace 106around a rotatable spool (not shown). In some embodiments, rotation ofthe knob 116 in a loosening direction (e.g., counterclockwise) canloosen the shoe 100, for example, by releasing lace 106 from the spool.In some embodiments, the knob can be rotated between 60° and 180°degrees in the loosening direction to release the lace 106 from thespool. In some embodiments, the knob 116 can be configured to be pulledaxially outwardly along the direction of the axis 118 to release tensionon the lace 106. In some embodiments, actuation of the knob 116 (e.g.,rotation in the loosening direction or pulling in axial direction) canallow the spool to rotate freely independent of the knob 116, which canallow for rapid loosening of the shoe 100. In some of these rapidloosening embodiments, it can be especially advantageous to protect theknob 116 to prevent accidental actuation, which can cause accidentalrapid loosening.

In the compressed position, the concealing portion 114 of the shoe 100can expose a sufficient portion of the knob 116 to allow a user toactuate the knob 116, such as by rotating the knob 116 in a tighteningdirection, or in a loosening direction, or by pulling the knob 116axially outwardly. The compressible area can be configured to compress(e.g., axially in the direction of the axis 118) under pressure appliedby the fingers of the user, and in some embodiments, the compressiblearea can have sufficient resistance to protect against unintentionalactuation of the knob 116. The compressible area can be resilient suchthat the concealing portion 114 returns to the first or uncompressedposition when the compressing force is removed.

The concealing portion 114 of the article (e.g., the shoe 100) canradially surround at least a portion of the knob 116. As shownschematically in FIG. 4, when the concealing portion 114 is in theuncompressed position, at least a portion of the knob 116 can bedisposed axially rearward of an outer surface 120 of the concealingportion 114 in the direction of the axis 118. As used herein the term“rearward” is used broadly to mean that one object, or portion thereof,is displaced back from another object, or portion thereof, even if thefirst object, or portion thereof, is not positioned directly behind theother object, or portion thereof. Also, in many instances, the terms“rearward,” “forward,” “inward,” “upward,” “top,” “bottom,” and the likecan be used to describe locations or directions based on the orientationof the tightening mechanism, regardless of the orientation that thetightening mechanism has to article or the surrounding environment.Thus, at least a portion of the knob 116 can be disposed axiallyrearward of the outer surface 120 of the concealing portion 114 evenwhen the concealing portion 114 does not cover the top surface 122 ofthe knob 116. The top surface 122 of the knob 116 can be uncovered, forexample, such that the top surface 122 of the knob 116 is visible whenviewed from the top down. In some embodiments, a majority of the knob116 can be disposed rearward of the outer surface 120 of the concealingportion 114. In some embodiments, the entire, or substantially theentire, knob 116 can be disposed rearward of the outer surface 120 ofthe concealing portion 114. For example, in some embodiments, the topsurface 122 of the knob 116 can be substantially flush with the outersurface 120 of the concealing portion 114, as shown in FIG. 5. Theconcealing portion 114 can extend upward at least as far as the top ofthe sides 124 of the knob 116, or at least past the lower surface of theknob 116. In some embodiments, the sides 124 of the knob 116 can bepartially, entirely, or substantially entirely, rearward of the outersurface 120 of the concealing portion 114. In some cases, a portion ofthe top 122 of the knob 116 can extend forward of the outer surface 120of the concealing portion 114 (e.g., due to a generally frusta-conicalshape, a curved shape, or other contours, of the top 122 of the knob116), as shown in FIG. 6A. Various configurations are possible. Forexample, in some embodiments, at least about 95%, at least about 90%, atleast about 85%, at least about 80%, or at least about 75% of therotatable knob 116 (or of the entire tightening mechanism 108) can bedisposed rearward of the outer surface 120 of the concealing portion114.

The concealing portion 114 can have a recess 126, and the tighteningmechanism 108 can be disposed in the recess 126. In some embodiments,the recess 126 can extend only partially through the article. Forexample, a base layer 128 of the article can be located at the bottom ofthe recess 126, and the tightening mechanism 108 can be secured to thebase layer 128. A housing 130 of the tightening mechanism 108 can beattached to the base layer 128, for example, by stitching, rivets,adhesive, or other suitable manner. The concealing portion 114 can beattached to the base layer 128. In some embodiments, the concealingportion 114 can be one or more additional layers applied to the outsideof an otherwise completed article, while in other embodiments, theconcealing portion 114 can be formed as an integral portion of thearticle. In some embodiments, the recess 126 can extend through thearticle (e.g., through the heel wall, or side wall, of the shoe 100.

FIG. 6B is a schematic partially cross-sectional view showing an exampleembodiment of a concealing portion 114 having recesses or cutouts formedto allow a user to operate a tightening mechanism 108. The left side ofFIG. 6B shows a side view of the tightening mechanism 108 and concealingportion 114. The right side of FIG. 6B shows a cross-sectional viewthrough a center of the tightening mechanism 108, and thecross-sectional portion of FIG. 6B is shown having cross-hatching toemphasize the cross-sectional portion. As can be seen in FIG. 6B, and asdiscussed elsewhere herein, the concealing portion 114 can have areas114 a and 114 b that extend higher than other areas 114 c of theconcealing portion 114. More of the tightening mechanism 108 can beexposed at the lower areas 114 c of the concealing portion 114, forexample, to allow a user to grip the sides of the tightening mechanism108 (e.g., during tightening or loosening of the system). In someembodiments, a recesses, cutout, or scalloped area, etc. can form thelower portions 114 c of the concealing portion 114. In some embodiments,the higher areas 114 a and 114 b of the concealing portion 114 canprovide more protection and/or concealment than the lower areas 114 c.In some embodiments, the higher areas 114 a and 114 b can be positionedabove and below the tightening mechanism 108 (e.g., at 6- and12-o'clock), while the lower portions 114 c can be positioned on thesides of the tightening mechanism 108 (e.g., at 3- and 9-o'clock). Insome embodiments, the concealing portion 114 can be compressible at thelower portions 114 c, and can be substantially uncompressible at thehigher portions 114 a and 114 b. In some embodiments, the concealingportion 114 (including the areas 114 a, 114 b, and 114 c) can besubstantially uncompressible, and the lower portions 114 c can allow theuser to actuate the tightening mechanism 108 without displacement of theconcealing portion 114. For example a rigid material (e.g., a rigid foamor plastic) can surround at least part of the tightening mechanism 108to form the shape of the concealing portion 114.

FIG. 7 is a back view of an example embodiment of a boot 200 having atightening mechanism 208 incorporated into the heel portion thereof.FIG. 8 is a side view of the boot 200. The boot 200 can have featuressimilar to, or the same as, the shoe 100, or the other embodimentsdescribed herein. The tightening mechanism 208 can be positioned at ornear the collar of the boot 200. The concealing portion 214 cancompletely surround the tightening mechanism 208 by a full 360 degrees,as shown in FIG. 7, or the concealing portion 214 can surround only aportion of the tightening mechanism 208 (e.g., by at least about 90degrees, at least about 180 degrees, at least about 270 degrees, atleast about 300 degrees, or at least about 330 degrees). In someembodiments, the concealing portion 114 can surround the areas of thetightening mechanism 208 that are most susceptible to being struckduring use (e.g., the below the tightening mechanism 208 between thetightening mechanism and the sole of the shoe).

FIGS. 9 and 10 shows side views of an example embodiment of a shoe 300,which can have features similar to the shoe 100, the boot 200, or theother embodiments disclosed herein. FIG. 9 shows a concealing portion314 in an uncompressed position, and FIG. 10A shows the concealingportion 314 in a compressed position. A tightening mechanism 308 can bemounted onto the heel portion of the shoe 300. As can be seen in FIG. 9,the concealing portion 314 can cover, or substantially cover, the sidesof the knob 316 at a first area 314 a (e.g., below the tighteningmechanism 308 or between the tightening mechanism 308 and the sole ofthe shoe 300) and/or at a second area 314 b (e.g., above the tighteningmechanism 308 or between the tightening mechanism 308 and the collar ofthe shoe 300). The second area 314 b can be positioned generally on anopposite side of the tightening mechanism 308 from the first area 314 a.Thus, in some embodiments, a cross-sectional view of the shoe 300 takenthrough the axis 318 and in the plane of the page can be similar toFIGS. 5-6 with respect to the positioning of the knob 316 and theconcealing portion 314. Accordingly, the discussion of FIGS. 5-6 can beapplied to the shoe 300, in some embodiments.

With further reference to FIG. 9, the concealing portion 314 can coveronly a portion of the sides of the knob 316 at a third area 314 c (e.g.,on a left side of the tightening mechanism 308) and/or at a fourth area314 d (e.g., on a right side of the tightening mechanism 308 (hiddenfrom view in FIG. 9)). The fourth area 314 d can be positioned generallyon an opposite side of the tightening mechanism 308 from the third area314 c. Thus, in some embodiments, a cross-sectional view of the shoe 300taken through the axis 318 and transverse to the plane of the page canbe similar to FIG. 4 with respect to the position of the knob 316 andthe concealing portion 314. Accordingly, the discussion of FIG. 4 can beapplied to the shoe 300, in some embodiments. A portion of the knob 316can be partially exposed, for example, on the right and left sides atthe areas 314 c and 314 d. The partially exposed knob 316 can facilitategripping of the knob 316 when the user actuates the knob 316.

With reference to FIG. 10A, are least portions of the concealing portion314 can be compressible to a compressed position to increase the amountof the knob 316 that is exposed, thereby facilitating the gripping ofthe knob 316 when the user actuates the knob 316. In some embodiments,the areas 314 c and/or 314 d can be more compressible than the areas 314a and/or 314 b. For example, in some embodiments, one or both of theareas 314 a and/or 314 b can be substantially uncompressible, forexample, having a rigid protective member disposed therein to protectthe tightening mechanism 308 from being struck near the areas 314 aand/or 314 b. In some embodiments, the shoe 300 can be configured tohave the open-side configuration shown in FIG. 10B when at rest, withoutthe concealing portion 314 being compressed. In some embodiments, theconcealing portion 314 (including the areas 314 a-d) can besubstantially incompressible. The at least partially open sides of theembodiment shown in FIG. 10B can allow a user to manipulate thetightening mechanism 308 without displacing the concealing portion 314.

FIG. 11 is an exploded isometric view of a tightening mechanism 408,which can be used with the shoe 100, the boot 200, the shoe 300, or theother embodiments disclosed herein. The tightening mechanism 408 caninclude a housing 432, a securing member 434, a spool 436, and a knob416. The spool 436 can be mounted into the housing 432 such that thespool 436 is rotatable about the axis 418. The housing 432 can have oneor more lace holes 438 a and 438 b configured to receive the lace intothe housing 432, so that the lace can be coupled to the spool 436 sothat rotation of the spool 436 in a tightening direction gathers thelace into a channel 440 in the spool 432. The spool 436 can includeteeth 442 configured to engage teeth (hidden from view) on an undersideof the knob 416, so that rotation of the knob 416 can cause rotation ofthe spool 436, thereby allowing a user to tighten the lace by rotatingthe knob 416. The housing can include teeth 444 that are configured toengage pawls (hidden from view) on the underside of the knob 416 suchthat the knob 416 is prevented from rotating in a loosening directionand permitted to rotate in a tightening direction. In some embodiments,the knob 416 can be lifted axially away from the housing 432 to adisengaged position that allows loosening of the lace. Many otherconfigurations can be used for the tightening mechanism 408.

With reference now to FIGS. 12 and 13, the securing member 434 can besecured to the article. For example, an upper material 446 of a shoe canhave a hole 448 formed in the heel portion thereof. The securing member434 can be inserted into the hole 448 from the inside of the uppermaterial 446 back towards the heel portion thereof, as shown in FIG. 12.The securing member 434 can have side walls 450 that surround an opening452. In some embodiments, the side walls 450 can extend through the hole448, and in some cases can stretch the upper material 446 to fit aroundthe side walls 450. The securing member 434 can have a securing flange454, which can remain on the inside of upper material 446 (shown inphantom lines in FIG. 13). The securing flange 454 can be secured uppermaterial 446, such as by stitching 456, or by rivets, or an adhesive, orany other suitable manner. The securing member can include a shieldelement 458 configured to extend out to cover a side portion of the knob416, when the tightening mechanism 408 is assembled. The shield element458 can be positioned on a lower side of the tightening mechanism 408 sothat the shield element 458 is positioned between the knob 416 and thesole of the shoe once assembled. Thus, the shield element 458 canprovide protection against striking the knob 416 from below (e.g., suchas may occur when walking down stairs or during contact sports).

With reference now to FIGS. 14-16, the housing 432 can be attached tothe securing member 434. For example, the securing member 434 can haveone or more engaging members 460 a and 460 b that are configured toengage with one or more corresponding engaging members 462 a and 462 bon the housing 432. The engaging members 460 a and 460 b can engage theengaging members 462 a and 462 b by a snap-fit connection, afriction-fit connection, a clasp, or any other suitable manner. Forexample, the engaging members 460 a and 460 b on the securing member 343can include protrusions that fit into notches 462 a and 462 b in thehousing 432 to snap the housing into the secured position. Otherconfigurations are possible. In some embodiments, the housing 432 can beremovably attached to the securing member 434 so that the housing 432can be removed, for example, if the tightening mechanism 408 is to berepaired or replaced or cleaned.

With reference to FIGS. 17-20, which show the upper material 446 from abottom view, lace channels 412 a and 412 b can be installed to directthe lace to the tightening mechanism 408. The lace channels 412 a and412 b can be positioned inside the upper material 446 so that they arehidden from view once the shoe is fully assembled. Lace ports 464 a and464 b can be positioned to receive the lace, for example, at an end ofthe gap between the first and second portions of the shoe. The lacechannel tubes 412 a and 412 b can be coupled to the lace ports 464 a and464 b and to the lace holes 438 a and 438 b, for example, by insertingthe tubes 412 a and 412 b into the lace ports 464 a and 464 b and intothe lace holes 438 a and 438 b. Adhesive backing tape 466 can be placedover the tubes 412 a and 412 b to hold them in place. An adhesive can beapplied over the lace channel tubes 412 a and 412 b (e.g., onto thebacking tape 466), and padding strips 468 a and 468 b can be adheredover the lace channel tubes 412 a and 412 b by the adhesive. The paddingstrips 468 a and 468 b can reduce discomfort caused by the tubes 412 aand 412 b pressing on the foot of a wearer when in use, and can alsohide the shape of the tubes 412 a and 412 b. In some embodiments, thelace channels 412 a and 412 b can extend only partially across thecollar of the shoe so that the lace can exit at locations on the side ofthe collar (e.g., at or near the midpoint of the collar). For example,FIGS. 1-3A show an example embodiment in which the lace extend outsidethe shoe across a portion of the collar and then enters the lacechannels that guide the lace under the shoe material to the tighteningmechanism. This configuration can allow for collar compression,simplified assembly, flexibility, and can eliminate pressure points, insome embodiments.

With reference now to FIGS. 21 and 22, the concealing portion 416 of theshoe can be formed to conceal and/or to protect the tightening mechanism408. In some embodiments, a foxing or outer layer 470 can be cut to ashape that is suitable to fit the contours of the article (e.g., theheel portion of the shoe 400). A compressible material, such as a foam472 can be applied to the inside surface of the outer layer 470, such asby applying an adhesive, such as a polyurethane thermoplastic adhesive(e.g., Bemis brand 3206D polyurethane thermoplastic adhesive (e.g., 6mil (0.006 inches), although other thicknesses can be used depending onthe materials used and the intended use of the article)). Otheradhesives can be used depending on the materials used and the intendeduse of the article. The outer layer 470 can be applied to the shoe 400,as shown in FIG. 22, for example. An adhesive can be applied (e.g.,sprayed on) to the inside surface of the outer layer 470 and the outerlayer 470 can be pressed against the underlying portions of the article(e.g., to the upper material 446). In some embodiments, a singleapplication of an adhesive to the inside surface of the outer layer 470can be used for adhering the foam 472 to the layer 470 and to adhere thelayer 470 to the shoe 400. In other embodiments, separate adhesivesand/or separate applications of the adhesive can be used for attachingthe foam 472 and for attaching the layer 470 to the shoe 400. In someembodiments, the foam 472 can be attached (e.g., adhered) to the shoe400 directly (e.g., over the upper material 446), and in some cases thelayer 470 can then be applied over the top of the foam 472.

A hole 426 can extend through the layer 470 and the foam 472 and can beconfigured to receive the tightening mechanism 408 therein when thelayer 470 is applied to the shoe 400. If a spray adhesive is applied tothe inside surface of the layer 470, the hole can be masked off duringapplication of the adhesive. Also, the foam 472 and/or the layer 470surrounding the hole 426 can be colored (e.g., painted or dyed) so thatit resembles the color and/or style of the outer appearance of the shoe400. The foam 472 and/or the layer 470 can come in the color thatmatches or resembles the color of the shoe 400, or can be color matched,e.g., using dye additives. Also, the knob 416 or other components of thetightening mechanism 408 can have a color that is the same as, orsimilar to, the color and/or style of the outward appearance of the shoe400 (e.g., to deemphasize the visual appearance of the tighteningmechanism 408). The layer 470 can also be stitched to the shoe 400, orattached to the shoe 400 by other suitable manners.

The outer layer 470 and the foam 472 can have different shapes fordifferent sizes and styles of shoes and for different types of articles.The foam 472 can have a shape and thickness configured to raise theouter layer 470 away from the underlying layer 446 by a height that issufficient to cover part of, a majority of, substantially all of, or allof the sides of the knob 416, as discussed herein. In some embodiments,the layer 470 can be made from a polyurethane-backed nylon fabric, suchas polyurethane-backed Cordura® fabric, which can have a low frictionnylon interface that allows the user's fingers to slide easily acrossthe surface of the layer 470 when turning the knob 416. Other lowfriction materials can also be used. In some embodiments, materials canbe modified to add a low friction interface around the perimeter of thetightening mechanism. For example, direct injection molding, radiofrequency welding, or debossing can be used to create the low frictioninterface. In some embodiments, a cover piece can be disposed around atleast a portion of the tightening mechanism and can secure the fabric ofthe cover layer 470 (e.g., to the tightening mechanism). For example, aring made of plastic (or other suitable material) can surround at leasta portion of the tightening mechanism, and, in some embodiments, canform a low friction interface to allow a user's fingers to slidesmoothly when operating the tightening mechanism.

FIG. 23A is a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of acompressible member or foam piece 472 that can be used with someembodiments. The sides 425 a and 425 b of the foam piece 472 can beconfigured to wrap around the heel of the shoe and onto the sideportions of the shoe. The sides 425 a and 425 b can be tapered to form asmooth transition at the ends of the foam piece 472 when mounted ontothe shoe. The foam piece 472 can include the hole 426 therein. In someembodiments, the inside of the ring can chamfer outward to account forthe curvature of the heel of the shoe 400. The foam piece 472 can bemade from a variety of materials, such as, for example, Rubberlite V0525Viso-Cel® slow rebound foam. Other open celled polyurethane foams canalso be used, as well as other compressible materials. FIG. 23B shows across-sectional view of another example embodiment of a foam piece thatcan be used with some embodiment discussed herein. FIG. 23C shows across-sectional view of another example embodiment of a foam piece thatcan be used with some embodiment discussed herein. Various shapes ofspacers (e.g., foam pieces 472) can be used depending on the shape andsize of the article. For example, the embodiments of FIGS. 23B and 23Ccan have shorter side portions 425 a and 45 b than the embodiment ofFIG. 23A, and the embodiment of FIG. 23C can have thinner ends on theside portions 425 a and 425 b than the embodiment of FIG. 23B.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of atightening mechanism 518 incorporated into an article, such as the shoe100, the boot 200, the shoe 300, the shoe 400, or the other embodimentsdisclosed herein. The tightening mechanism 508 can include a housing532, a spool 536, and a knob 516, similar to the tightening mechanism408 described herein. The housing 532 can be mounted to a base material546, such as the heel counter or upper material of a shoe. In someembodiments, the housing 532 can be attached directly to the basematerial 546 (as shown in FIG. 24), such as by stitching through asecuring flange 554 of the housing 532, or by rivets, or by an adhesive,or other suitable manner. In some embodiments, the housing 532 can becoupled to the article using a securing member (e.g., similar to thesecuring member 434 discussed herein). In some embodiments, the basematerial 546 can include a hole therein for receiving the housing 532,such that a portion of the housing 532 is disposed rearward of the basematerial 546, thereby reducing the height by which the tighteningmechanism 508 extends forward of the base material 546, which canfacilitate the concealment of the tightening mechanism 508, and canreduce the height of the concealing area 514, which can improve thevisual appearance of the article.

In some embodiments, padding 574 can be positioned rearward of thetightening mechanism 508 to provide comfort to the wearer and to preventthe tightening mechanism 508 from pressing against the portion of thewearer's body that contacts the article. For example, the tighteningmechanism 508 can be incorporated into the tongue of a shoe or into apadded strap of a backpack or into other padded portions of wearablearticles. In some embodiments, liners and other layers can be disposedrearward of the tightening mechanism 508, but are not shown in FIG. 24for simplicity.

A concealing portion 514 can at least partially surround the tighteningmechanism 508. The concealing portion 514 can include a compressiblearea 576, which can be a foam material, as discussed herein. FIG. 24shows the concealing portion 514 in an uncompressed position, and FIG.25 shows the concealing portion 514 in a compressed position in whichthe compressible area is compressed (e.g., by a compressing forceapplied by a user's fingers) to expose the knob 516. In someembodiments, the compressible area 576 can be disposed between the basematerial 546 and an outer layer 570. In some embodiments, some or all ofthe area surrounding the tightening mechanism 508 can be substantiallyincompressible. For example, the area 576 of FIG. 24 can include asubstantially incompressible material (e.g., a rigid plastic material ora rigid foam material).

In FIG. 26, the concealing portion 514 can include a first area 576 athat is more compressible than a second area 576 b. The morecompressible area 576 a can be positioned radially inward from the lesscompressible area 576 b. For example, the more compressible area 576 acan surround at least a portion of the tightening mechanism 508, and theless compressible area 576 b can surround at least a portion of the morecompressible area 576 a. In some embodiments, both the firstcompressible area 576 a and the second compressible area 576 b caninclude compressible foam, and the foam of the first compressible area576 a can be of a lower density and higher compressibility than the foamof the second compressible area 576 b. In some embodiments, the secondarea 576 b is substantially not compressible. The first compressiblearea 576 a can have a radial width of at least about 5 mm, at leastabout 10 mm, at least about 15 mm, no more than about 20 mm, betweenabout 5 mm and 15 mm, and/or about 10 mm. In some embodiments, the firstcompressible area 576 a can be wide enough to allow a user's fingers tocompress the first compressible area 576 a without directly applying acompressing force onto the second area 576 b. In some embodiments, thefirst compressible area 576 a can have a width that is small enough thata compressing force applied by a user's finger directly applies acompressing force to both the first area 576 a and the second area 576b.

In some embodiments, the compressible area 576 can include a recess 578a configured to facilitate compression of the compressible area 676. Insome embodiments, the recess 578 a can be disposed directly behind alayer of the compressible material (e.g., foam), so that when acompressing force is applied, the layer of the compressible material cancollapse down into the recess 578 a to expose the tightening mechanism508. In some embodiments, the recess 578 b can be tapered (e.g., asshown in the lower portion of FIG. 27) so that a portion of thecollapsible area 576 nearer to the tightening mechanism 508 can collapsemore easily and/or further than a portion of the collapsible area 576that is radially further from the tightening mechanism 508. In someembodiments, the recess can include one or more cutouts or grooves 578 cformed in the compressible material (as shown in FIG. 28). Multiplegrooves 578 c can be included such that one or more extensions of thecompressible material can extend between the grooves 578C. In someembodiments, the grooves 578 d can be tapered (e.g., as shown in thelower portion of FIG. 28) so that a portion of the collapsible area 576nearer to the tightening mechanism 508 can collapse more easily and/orfurther than a portion of the collapsible area 576 that is radiallyfurther from the tightening mechanism 508. In some embodiments, therecess can include a cavity 578 e that is a volume surrounded on allsides by the compressible material (e.g., foam). In some embodiments,the recess can include multiple cavities 578 e and 578 f (as shown inthe upper portion of FIG. 29). In some embodiments, the size ordistribution of the plurality of cavities 578 e and 578 f can vary suchthat a portion of the collapsible area 576 nearer to the tighteningmechanism 508 can collapse more easily and/or further than a portion ofthe collapsible area 576 that is radially further from the tighteningmechanism 508. Although the upper portion of FIG. 29 shows only twocavities 578 e and 578 f for simplicity of illustration, someembodiments can include a larger number of cavities formed in thecompressible material. In some embodiments one or more individualcavities 578 g can be tapered (as shown in the lower portion of FIG.29), so that a portion of the collapsible area 576 nearer to thetightening mechanism 508 can collapse more easily and/or further than aportion of the collapsible area 576 that is radially further from thetightening mechanism 508

The various recess types 578 a-578 g shown in FIGS. 27-29 can be usedindividually or can be combined with others of the recess types 578a-578 g to provide various alternative configurations. In someembodiments, a recess structures 578 a-578 g can extend rotationally toform arcuate recesses that at least partially surround the tighteningmechanism 508.

In some embodiments, the tightening mechanism 508 can include one ormore shield elements 558. The shield element 558 can be, for example,integrally formed with the housing 532, or the shield element 558 can bea separate component from the housing 532. The shield element 558 can bea rigid extension that covers at least part of the side of the knob 516.The shield element 558 can be configured to protect to the knob 516, asdiscussed elsewhere herein. Various embodiments disclosed herein (e.g.,the embodiments of FIGS. 24-29 and 31-32) can be modified to include ashield element 558 similar to that described in connection with FIG. 30.In some embodiments an additional shield element can be positionedgenerally opposite the shield element 558 shown in FIG. 30. For example,shield elements 558 can be positioned at about 6-o'clock and at about12-o'clock, to provide protection to the tightening mechanism 508, asdiscussed herein.

In some embodiments, the compressible material 576 can be enclosed. Forexample, as shown in the upper portion of FIG. 31, the base material 546can wrap around the compressible material 576 such that the compressiblematerial 567 is sandwiched between portions of the base material 546. Insome embodiments, an outer layer 570 can extend around the compressiblematerial 576 and can be coupled to the base material 546, as shown inthe lower portion of FIG. 31, or the base material 546 can extend aroundthe compressible material and can be coupled to the outer layer 570. Thebase material 546 and outer layer 570 can be coupled together, forexample, by stitching, or rivets, or an adhesive, or any other suitablemanner. In some embodiments, a layer separate from the base material 546and the outer layer 570 can extend between the outer layer 570 and thebase material 546 between the compressible material 576 and the knob516, and the layer can be flexible so that it can be collapsed ordisplaced to expose the knob 516 (e.g., when a user applied acompressing force). The flexible layer can be positioned between thecompressible material 576 and the knob 516, thereby separating the knob516 from the compressible material 576, which can prevent thecompressible material 576 from contacting the knob 516 when thecompressible material 576 is deflected in the compressed state. If thedeflected compressible material 576 contacts the rotatable knob it caninterfere with rotation of the knob 516 and in some cases can becomepinched by the knob 516. Thus, the layer separating the compressiblematerial 576 from the knob 516 can prevent the compressible material 576from interfering with operation of the knob 516.

In some embodiments, the compressible material 576 can be uncovered, asshown in FIG. 32A. In some embodiments, slow recovery memory foam can beused as the flexible material 576, although various other compressiblematerials can also be used. In some embodiments, the top of thecompressible material 576 can define the outer surface 520 of theconcealing portion 514. The outer surface 520 of the compressiblematerial 576 can be colored or patterned to coordinate with the colorand/or styling of the article, thereby visually deemphasizing theconcealing area 514.

Many variations can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Forexample, in some embodiments, substantially incompressible guardingmembers (e.g., rigid plastic strips) can be insert molded into acompressible material to add rigidity and additional guarding to certainareas of the concealing portion 514 (e.g., the area below and/or abovethe tightening mechanism). For example, with reference to FIG. 26, insome embodiments, the first area 576 a surrounding the tighteningmechanism 508 can be substantially incompressible. For example, thefirst area 576 a can include a guarding member (e.g., made of a rigidplastic material), which can be, for example, insert molded into thefoam to create guards that protect and/or conceal the tighteningmechanism 508.

FIG. 32B shows an example implementation of a tightening mechanism 508and concealing portion 514, which can have features similar to, or thesame as, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 24-32A. In FIG. 32B, thetightening mechanism 508 can include a securing flange 554 that isflatter than those shown in FIGS. 24-32A. The size and shape of thesecuring flange 554, as well as the other features of the tighteningmechanism 508 can vary depending on the size and shape of the articlewith which the tightening mechanism 508 is applied. For example, in FIG.32B, the base material 546 can be, for example, a heel counter of ashoe, and the base material 546 can have a hole that receives a portionof the tightening mechanism 508 (e.g., a bottom of the housing 532)therein. In some embodiments, the base material 546 (e.g., heel counter)can be substantially flush with the bottom surface of the housing 532,as shown in FIG. 32B. Although not shown in FIG. 32B, padding or lininglayers can be positioned rearward of the tightening mechanism 508, forexample, to separate the tightening mechanism 508 from the wearer. Theembodiment shown in FIG. 32B can be modified to incorporate the featuresshown and discussed in connection with FIGS. 24-32A.

FIG. 32C shows another example implementation of a tightening mechanism508 and concealing portion 514, which can have features similar to, orthe same as, the embodiments shown in FIG. 24-32B. A housing 532 can bemounted onto a base material 546 (e.g., heel counter). In someembodiments, the base material 546 (e.g., heel counter) does not includea hole that receive a portion of the housing 532 therein. The housing532 can be secured (e.g., stitched or adhered) to the outside of thebase material 546. An outer material 570 can be elevated at theconcealing portion 514, e.g., by a spacer 576, which can be a foam orplastic material, and can be compressible or substantiallyuncompressible, as discussed herein. In some embodiments, additionalfoam can be used around the spacer 576, such as collar foam 577 thatsurrounds a collar portion of a shoe. In some embodiments, a grommet 579can surround all or a portion of the tightening mechanism 508. Thegrommet 579 can be a ring. The grommet 579 can be positioned between thespacer 576 and the outer material 570. In some embodiments, the outermaterial 570 can be stitched, adhered, or otherwise secured or coupledto the grommet 579. The grommet 579 can be rigid or generally rigid, sothat when the user presses down on the grommet 579, it compresses anarea of the concealing portion 514 positioned under the grommet 579,which in some cases can be a full 360° area surrounding the tighteningmechanism 508, or a portion thereof.

FIG. 33 is an exploded isometric view of a tightening mechanism 608,which can be used with an article (e.g., the shoe 100, the boot 200, theshoe 300, or other embodiments disclosed herein). The tighteningmechanism 608 can include a housing 632, a securing member 634, a spool636, and a knob 616. The spool 636 can be mounted into the housing 632such that the spool 636 is rotatable with respect to the housing 632. Alace can be coupled to the spool 636 so that rotation of the spool 636in a tightening direction gathers the lace onto the spool 636. The spool636 can engage the knob 616, so that rotation of the knob 616 can causerotation of the spool 636, thereby allowing the lace to be tightened byrotating the knob 616. The knob 616 can include a top surface 622 andsides 624. In some embodiments, the spool 636 and the knob 616 can beconfigured similarly to the spool 436 and knob 416 discussed above. Manyother configurations can be used for the tightening mechanism 608.

The securing member can have side walls 650 that surround a recess 652.The side walls 650 can have a first indented portion 651 a and a secondindented portion 651 b, which can be position on generally oppositesides of the securing member 634 (e.g., on the right and left sidesthereof). One or more holes or notches 641 a and 641 b can allow a laceto pass from outside the securing member 634 into the recess 652. Forexample, notches 641 a and 641 b can be formed in the indented portions651 a and 651 b of the side walls 650. The securing member 634 caninclude engagement features (e.g., slots 643) which can be configured toengage with engagement features (e.g., teeth 645) on the housing 632 toallow the housing 632 to be secured to the securing member 634 (e.g., bya snap-fit engagement). The securing member 634 can include a securingflange 654, which can extend radially outwardly from the base of theside walls 650. In some embodiments, lace holes 638 a and 638 b areformed on the securing member 634 (e.g., on the bottom thereof), andlace channels can lead from the lace holes 638 a and 638 b to thenotches 641 a and 641 b or holes that allow the lace to enter the recess652.

The housing 632 can include side walls 655 and indented portions 657 aand 657 b which can align generally with the indented portions 651 a and651 b of the securing member 634. In some embodiments, internal sidewalls 647 surround a recess 659. A gap can be formed between the sidewalls 655 and the internal side walls 647. One or more notches 649 a and649 b or holes can be formed in the side walls 655 (e.g., at the base ofthe indented portions 657 a and 657 b), and one or more notches 661 aand 661 b or holes can be formed in the internal side walls 647. Thenotches or holes can allow the lace to pass into the recess 659, and forexample, can align with the holes or notches 641 a and 641 b formed inthe securing member 634.

With reference to FIGS. 34 and 35A, a securing member 634 can be securedto the article (e.g., to an upper material 646 of a shoe). For example,securing flange 654 can be stitched to the upper material 646, orsecured thereto by other suitable securing mechanisms. The uppermaterial 646 can include one or more lace holes 633 a and 633 b whichcan align with the lace holes 638 a and 638 b on the securing member634. As shown in FIG. 35B, lace channels 612, similar to those discussedin connection with FIGS. 17-20, can be applied inside the upper material646 and can direct the lace to the lace holes 633 a and 633 b and to thesecuring member 634. In some embodiments, the tightening mechanism 608is disposed outside the upper material 646, and the upper material 646does not include a hole that allows a portion of the tighteningmechanism to be disposed rearward of the upper material 646.

A foxing or outer layer 670 can be positioned over the securing member634. A spacer 676 can attach to the underside of the layer 670 (e.g.,using an adhesive). The spacer 676 can be a compressible material, arigid material, or a semi-rigid material. The spacer 676 can have afirst or upper portion 676 a and a second or lower portion 676 bseparated by gaps 653 a and 653 b or thinner portions of the spacer 676.A hole can extend through the outer layer 670 and through the spacer676. The spacer 676 can be configured to fit around the outside of theside walls 650 of the securing member 634 when the layer 670 is mountedonto the article, and the gaps 653 a and 653 b in the spacer 676 canalign with the indented portions 651 a and 651 b of the side walls 650on the securing member 634. In some embodiments, the gaps 653 a and 653b can provide paths for the lace to pass through. In some embodiments,the spacer 676 can extend a full 360 degrees around the opening 626, andthe gaps 653 a and 653 b can be omitted. The hole 626 through the layer670 and spacer 676 can align over the recess 652 when the layer 670 ismounted onto the article. In some embodiments, the assembly can be backpart molded, as shown, for example, in FIG. 35C.

As can be seen in FIG. 36, the housing 632 can be mounted onto thesecuring member 634. In some embodiments, a portion 671 of the foxing orouter layer 670 surrounding the hole 626 can extend over the securingmember 634 so that the portion 671 of the layer 670 is pressed down intothe recess 652 of the securing member 634 when the housing 632 isinserted therein. In some embodiments, because the portion 671 of thelayer 670 is be pinched between the housing 632 and the securing member634, there is no gap between the edges of the foxing layer 670 and thetightening mechanism 608, which can prevent debris from entering a spacearound the tightening mechanism 608.

As discussed above, the housing 632 and the securing member 634 caninclude corresponding engagement features that are configured to securethe housing 632 to the securing member 634, such as, for example, by asnap fit, a friction fit, etc. In some embodiments, the housing 632 canbe removably attachable to the securing member 634, so that the housing632 can be removed (e.g., for repair, replacement, or cleaning). Becausethe housing 632 is inserted over the foxing layer 670, the housing 632can be removed from the securing member 634 without removing or cuttingthe foxing layer 670.

As shown in FIG. 37A, the spool 636 can receive a lace 606 and can berotatably supported in the recess 659 of the housing 632. The knob 616can be rotatably mounted onto the housing 632 and can be configured suchthat rotating the knob 616 can tighten the lace 606 by causing the spool636 to rotate. In some embodiments, the side walls 655 and/or the sidewalls 650 can surround at least a portion of the side 624 of the knob616, thereby forming rigid shielding elements that can protect the knob616 from accidental actuation. The indented portions 657 a and 657 band/or 651 a and 651 b can expose portions of the side 624 of the knob616, to allow a user to grip the sides 624 of the knob 616 (e.g., fortightening). A concealing portion 614 of the article can at leastpartially surround the sides 624 of the knob 616 to conceal or protectthe tightening mechanism 608. For example, the spacer 676 can press thefoxing layer 670 up around the tightening mechanism 608. In someembodiments, the concealing portion 614 can be higher at some areassurrounding the tightening mechanism 608 than at other surroundingareas.

Many variations are possible. For example, with reference to FIG. 37B,in some embodiments, the housing 632 can be incorporated into thesecuring member 634, for example, as a single integrally formed piece632′ that can be attached directly to the article. The housing piece632′ can combine the features of the housing 632 and the securing member634 discussed above. Because the housing piece 632′ can be a singleintegral piece, the engagement features of the securing member 634 andhousing 632 can be omitted in the housing piece 632′. As shown in FIG.37C, the outer layer (e.g., foxing) 670 can be applied over the housingpiece 632′, in a manner similar to that discussed in connection withFIG. 35A.

FIG. 38 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tightening mechanism608 and concealing portion 614 taken in a plane (e.g., a vertical plane)that intersects the shielding elements (e.g., the side walls 650 and/or655). One or both of the side walls 650 and 655 can extend upward atleast as far as the sides 624 of the knob 616 in the plane of FIG. 38,such that the sides 624 of the knob 616 can be partially, mostly,entirely, or substantially entirely covered by the concealing area 614(similar to the discussion above, e.g., of FIGS. 4-6). In someembodiments, both the side wall 650 of the securing mechanism and theside wall 655 of the housing 632 can extend upward at least as far as tothe top of the knob side 624 (e.g., to substantially the same height, asshown on the right side of FIG. 38). In some embodiments, the side wall655 of the housing 632 can extend higher than the side wall 650 of thesecuring mechanism 634 (as shown on the left side of FIG. 38). In someembodiments, the side wall 655 of the housing 632 can have a flangeportion 663 that extends radially outwardly over at least a portion ofthe side wall 650. The flange 663 can clamp the foxing layer 670 downagainst the side wall 650.

FIG. 39 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tightening mechanism608 and concealing portion 614 taken in a plane in which the concealingportion 614 has a reduced height that is lower than in the plane of FIG.38. For example, FIG. 39 can be taken in a plane (e.g., a horizontalplane) that intersects the indented portions 657 a and 657 b and/or 651a and 651 b. One or both of the side walls 650 and 655 can extend upwardto a location rearward of the knob 616, such that the sides 624 of theknob 616 can be partially, mostly, entirely, or substantially entirelyexposed from a side direction. The side walls 650 and 655 can extendupward to substantially the same height (as shown on the right side ofFIG. 39). In some embodiments, the side wall 655 of the housing 632 canextend higher than the side wall 650 of the securing mechanism 634 (asshown on the left side of FIG. 39). The flange portion 663 can clamp thefoxing layer 670 down against the indented portions 651 a and 651 b ofthe side wall 650, which can prevent the layer 670 from obstructing thereduced height portions of the concealing area 614. The spacer 676 canhave a greater height for the portions in the plane of FIG. 38 than forthe portions of the spacer 676 in the plane of FIG. 39.

FIG. 40 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tightening mechanism608 and concealing portion 614 in which the concealing portion 614 canbe compressed to allow a user to actuate the knob 616. For example, thecross-section of FIG. 40 can be taken in a plane (e.g., a horizontalplane) that intersects the indented portions 657 a and 657 b and/or 651a and 651 b. The configuration shown in FIG. 40 can be similar to, orthe same as, the configuration of FIG. 39 in many regards. The spacer676 can have a height that is greater than the height of the side walls650 and/or 655. In the uncompressed state, shown in FIG. 40, theconcealing portion 614 can extend upward at least as far as the sides624 of the knob 616 such that the sides 624 of the knob 616 can bepartially, mostly, entirely, or substantially entirely covered by theconcealing area 614 (similar to the discussion above, e.g., of FIGS.4-6). The spacer 676 material can be a compressible so that theconcealing portion 614 can be compressed to a compressed state (notshown). In the compressed state, the concealing portion 614 can have areduced height similar to that shown and discussed in connection withFIG. 39, such that the user can actuate the knob 616. The left side ofFIG. 40 shows a configuration in which the side wall 655 includes aflange 663, as discussed above, and the right side of FIG. 40 shows aconfiguration that does not include the flange 663. In some embodiments,the compressible areas of the concealing portion 614 can extend aroundthe tightening mechanism 608 by a full 360 degrees, instead of having aportion with rigid shield elements (as shown in FIG. 38).

FIG. 41 is an exploded view of an example implementation of a tighteningmechanism 708 and a concealing portion 714, which can be used inconnection with various embodiments disclosed herein. FIG. 42 shows theassembled tightening mechanism 708 and concealing portion 714. FIG. 43is a side view of the tightening mechanism and concealing portion 714.The tightening mechanism 708 can include a housing 732, a spool 736, anda knob 716, which can have features similar to, or the same as thehousing 432, spool 436, and knob 416 described above. A shaping member701 can be disposed over the housing 732 to conceal and/or protect thetightening mechanism 708 (e.g., to protect the knob 716) as discussedherein. The shaping member 701 can be shaped according to the size andshape of the article (e.g., a heel of a shoe) to integrate thetightening mechanism 708 into the appearance of the article. In someembodiments, an outer material (e.g., a foxing) can be disposed over theshaping member 701, such that the shaping member 701 acts as a spacer toelevate the outer material as discussed herein. In some embodiments, theshaping member 701 can be rigid and can be configured to engage with thehousing 732 to position the shaping member 701 and housing 732 atappropriate locations on the article. In some embodiments, an air gapcan be formed under the shaping member 701, e.g., between shaping member701 and the housing 732. In some embodiments, the shaping member 701 canbe flexible or somewhat flexible, e.g., to allow the shaping member 701to conform to the particular contours of an article. A supporting member703 can be disposed between the housing 732 and the shaping member 701,in some embodiments, to provide support to the shaping member 701 (e.g.,to maintain the shape of a flexible shaping member 701). In someembodiments, the supporting member 703 can be omitted. In someembodiments, the shaping member 701 can include one or more cutouts 705a and 705 b (e.g., slits) to facilitate bending of the shaping member701 to conform to the shape of the article. In some embodiments, theshaping member 701 and/or the supporting member 703 can be configured toconceal and/or protect the tightening mechanism 708 more at somelocations than at other locations surrounding the tightening mechanism708, as discussed herein. The concealing portion 714 can have recesses,cutouts, or scalloped areas, etc. that can provide open portions wherethe side of the knob 716 is exposed, thereby allowing a user to actuatethe knob 716, as discussed herein.

FIG. 44 is a side view of a shoe having a tightening mechanism 808 and aconcealing portion 814 at least partially surrounding the tighteningmechanism 808. In some embodiments, the tightening mechanism 808 can besimilar to the tightening mechanism 708 discussed above, although otherembodiments disclosed herein can also relate thereto. FIG. 45 shows ashaping member 801, which can be similar to the shaping member 701discussed above, with a housing 832 of the tightening mechanism 808mounted thereto. The knob 816 is not shown in FIG. 45. FIG. 46 is across-sectional view of the shoe of FIG. 44 showing the housing 832coupled to the shoe and the concealing portion 814. As discussed inconnection with various embodiments herein, the concealing portion 814an provide areas (e.g., on the sides) in which the tightening mechanism808 is exposed sufficiently to allow a user to actuate the tighteningmechanism 808.

FIG. 47 is a side view of a shoe having a tightening mechanism 908 and aconcealing portion 914 at least partially surrounding the tighteningmechanism 908. FIG. 48 shows another view of the shoe of FIG. 47. FIG.49 shows a spacer 976, which can be configured to provide the shape ofthe concealing portion 914 of FIGS. 47 and 48. As discussed inconnection with various embodiments herein, the concealing portion 914can provide areas (e.g., on the sides) in which the tightening mechanism908 is exposed sufficiently to allow a user to actuate the tighteningmechanism 908.

Although many embodiments are discussed in connection with a tighteningmechanism mounted onto the heel of a shoe or other footwear, many otherconfigurations are possible. FIG. 50 is an isometric view of a boot 1000having a tightening mechanism 1008 mounted onto the tongue 1009 of theboot 1000 and a concealing portion 1014 at least partially surroundingthe tightening mechanism 1008. FIG. 51 is a side view of the boot 1000.FIG. 52 is a detailed view of the concealing portion 1014 and tighteningmechanism 1008 on the boot 1000. FIG. 53 shows a user actuating thetightening mechanism 1008 of the boot 1000. Similar configurations arepossible for shoes (including high-top shoes and low-top shoes) andother footwear having a tongue. Also, the tightening mechanism 1008 canbe mounted onto other portions of the footwear (e.g., on the sidethereof).

As mentioned above, the embodiments described herein can be applied tovarious articles. For example, FIG. 54 shows a wrist brace 1100 having atightening mechanism 1108 and a concealing portion 1114 at leastpartially surrounding the tightening mechanism 1108.

FIGS. 55a-c show a body or housing 1210 of a tightening mechanism beingcoupled with a compressible material 1230, such as a foam backingmaterial. The backing material could be foam of various densities and ofmaterials such as polyurethane or latex rubber, or a non-foam butcompliant material such as a polymer gel. The combination of the threeparts shown in FIG. 55b is typically coupled to a shoe upper afterassembly but before lasting in various potential sequences of assemblyand using various assembly methods. Specifically, the body or housing1210 (hereinafter housing) may be coupled with a foam backing 1230 andthen affixed to the rear of a shoe typically with adhesive or bystitching or by RF welding. While being affixed, tubing (not shown)previously mounted between upper layers, may be plugged at its end intotube ports on the housing 1210 through which lace is routed from thefront of the shoe to the housing 1210. Various other embodiments do notuse tubing and can allow the tube ports of a housing designed for thispurpose to penetrate the shoe surface immediately for the lace comingfrom the housing 1210 which is then routed externally on the shoe andsometimes with intermediate guiding elements. A relatively rigidmounting component or bayonet 1220 (hereinafter bayonet) is typicallyjoined to a textile or molded overlay known in the shoe industry as afoxing 1250. These components may be joined by stitching, RF welding,insert molding or by other means. This assembly of bayonet 1220 andoverlay may then be affixed to the shoe upper and the bayonet 1220snapped into receiving elements of the housing 1210. Often in shoemanufacturing, a subsequent step would involve “back part molding” wherethe textile upper is placed inside a foot shaped form known as a lastingform and is then heated, and then in this machine the fabric may bepulled and or pushed around the heel shape to somewhat thermoform theheel shape into the materials. The rigid bayonet 1220 firmly holds theperimeter of the housing 1210 hole in the foxing 1250 so that it is notpulled away leaving unsightly gaps between housing 1210 and foxing. Thisis a key purpose of the relatively rigid bayonet 1220 to resistdeformation during back part molding of the hole in the foxing while itis being formed and also to create a neat edge banding with minimal gapsto the material of the foxing 1250.

In some embodiments, the foam backing 1230 may be molded onto orotherwise coupled with the housing 1210 (e.g. adhered with adhesive orinsert molded) so that the foam backing 1230 and housing 1210 appear tobe a single or integral piece or component. The foam backing 1230 may beused as a transition component between the tightening mechanism and theshoe to hide any visual defects that may result from attaching thetightening mechanism with the shoe. The foam backing 1230 is relativelycompliant material that facilitates in masking or hiding the appearanceof marks in the shoe from any underlying components of the tighteningmechanism. The foam backing 1230 is able to mask the components byconforming to the specific shape and size of the shoe. For example, whenrelatively rigid backing materials are used and positioned under thesurface of the material of the shoe, the edges of the backing materialmay be visible or the rigid material may cause the shoe's material tobuckle or otherwise deform, which can be visually unappealing. Theappearance of underlying components within the shoe is commonly known asghosting. Ghosting is greatly reduced since foam backing 1230 iscompliant and able to adapt and conform to the shape and size the shoe.Specifically, the foam backing 1230 may be able to adapt to the shapeand size of the heel counter.

The compliant foam backing 1230 is also capable of adapting to variousdifferent shapes and sizes of shoes. This adaptability of the foambacking results in a reduction in the number of backing components thatmust be manufactured, thereby reducing part count. Foam backing 1230 isadaptable to the various shaped and sized shoes by being insertable andcompressible between layers of the shoe. Further, the compliance of foambacking 1230 allows the foam backing 1230 to be easily wrapped aroundthe heel counter or another component of the shoe regardless of theshoes contour, size, or shape. The foam backing 1230 may be matched toan existing profile of a shoe. For example, the foam piece may be formedto match surrounding surfaces of the article of application (e.g., shoe)so as to provide a seamless visually appealing look.

In some embodiments, the foam backing 1230 may have trimmable parts thatallow the shape and/or size of the foam backing 1230 to be adjusted tofit the shape and size of the shoe, such as for example, to particularlyadapt to smaller shoe sizes with associated shorter distances from soleto shoe collar. In one embodiment, foam backing 1230 may include aplurality of material layers coupled together in a stacked arrangement,similar to the layers of an onion. Each of the layers may be stripped orpeeled away so as to reduce the overall thickness of the foam backing1230 as desired. In another embodiment, the foam backing 1230 may haveperforated portions or regions that allow sections of the foam backing1230 to be cut or torn away as desired to reduce the size of the foambacking. Similarly, the durometer of the foam may be varied to provide adesired compressibility of the foam material. In some embodiments, thedurometer of foam backing 1230 may vary between about 10 and 25 Shore A.By adjusting the durometer of the foam, removing sections, and/orstripping or peeling away various layers of the foam backing 1230, thefoam backing 1230 may be adjusted to conform to a specifically designedshoe. In some embodiments, the foam backing 1230 may include a thermosetmaterial to resist permanent deformation when heated and pressuredduring back part molding.

In another embodiment, a shim may be positioned under the foam backing1230 to help the foam backing 1230 conform to and/or adapt to differentsized and shaped shoes. For example, when a relatively large thicknessof foam backing 1230 is needed or otherwise desired, such as when foambacking 1230 is coupled with a large shoe, a shim may be placed underfoam backing 1230 to increase the overall thickness of foam backing1230. The shim may comprise any shape or size as desired and may be madeof a variety of materials, such as urethane, rubber, an elastomer, andthe like. In another embodiment, the foam backing 1230 may includemultiple pieces of foam or another material and/or may be unattached tobayonet 1220.

Bayonet 1220 includes a flange positioned partially or fully around theperimeter of bayonet 1220. The flange allows the bayonet 1220 to besewn, adhered, or otherwise coupled with the shoe or other apparel.Housing 1210 couples with bayonet 1220 in a relatively rigid manner. Insome embodiment, housing 1210 may be removably coupled with bayonet 1220so that housing 1210 may be removed for replacement, repair, and thelike. In one embodiment, housing 1210 and bayonet 1220 may be coupledtogether by snapping together mating portions of the housing 1210 andbayonet 1220. In another embodiment, bayonet 1220 may include bossesthat snap or otherwise couple with apertures of the housing 1210, orvice versa. Cleats may also be used to couple housing 1210 with bayonet1220; or the bayonet 1220 may be welded (e.g. heat, RF, ultrasonic, andthe like), adhered, or coupled with housing 1210 using any method knownin the art. Coupling or interlocking of the housing 1210 with bayonet1220 using any fastening means described herein (e.g., bosses, cleats,mating components, welding, adhesive bonding, and the like), mayfacilitate in transferring rotational force from the housing 1210 to thebayonet 1220 as the tightening mechanism is operated. Bayonet 1220 maylikewise transfer such force to the shoe or apparel. In this manner, therotational force is not transferred to foam backing 1230, whichrotational force may cause foam backing 1230 to deform (e.g. becomeoblong and the like) and/or become visible through a top layer of theshoe or apparel.

FIGS. 56a-b show the housing 1210 of a tightening mechanism being anintegral component of a heel counter 1240 of a shoe. FIGS. 56a-b aresimilar to FIGS. 55a-c except that housing 1210 is molded onto the heelcounter 1240 so that heel counter 1240 and housing 1210 are essentiallya single component or piece. The single piece heel counter 1240 andhousing 1210 may be installed in the shoe as a single unit to eliminatethe risk of deformation during construction thereof. Various sizes ofthese may be molded. In another approach the wings of the heel counterare essentially flat and may be post trimmed via steel rule dies orother method and then pre-thermoformed to an appropriate curvature forthe size of shoe intended. In some embodiments, the bayonet 1220 andfoam backing 1230 may be fit over and coupled with housing 1210 asdescribed with respect to FIGS. 55a -c. The material of the shoe 1250,such as padding, foxing, and the like, may be positioned over the heelcounter 1240 and housing 1210 to cover these components and/or toprovide padding for the shoe. In this manner housing 1210 may be coupledwith the shoe and hidden from view. Often this heel counter/housingcombination would be sandwiched between shoe inner liner materials andthe outer quarters of the shoe.

Referring now to FIGS. 57a -d, in some embodiments, a cover plate 1310may be positioned over the housing 1210 of the tightening mechanism. Thecover plate 1310 may include a dial cover 1320 that is configured to fitover the knob 1212 of the tightening mechanism so as to cover and hidethe knob 1212. In some embodiments, opposing sides of the dial cover1320 may be opened so that the sides of knob 1212 are exposed to allow auser to operate the knob 1212 to wind lace about a spool (not shown) ofthe tightening mechanism as described herein. In some embodiments, thecover plate 1310 may be fit over a foam backing 1230 and bayonet 1220that are coupled with the housing 1210 as described herein. In otherembodiment, the foam backing 1230 and/or bayonet 1220 may not be usedand the cover plate 1310 may be fit directly over the knob 1212.

Heel counter 1240 may include bosses 1242 that allow cover plate 1310 tobe coupled with heel counter 1240, such as by inserting screws throughapertures 1312 of cover plate 1310 that correspond with bosses 1242. Inother embodiments, cover plate 1310 may be sewn, adhesively bonded,welded (e.g. heat, ultrasonic, and the like), and the like to heelcounter 1240.

The dial cover 1320 may be a relatively resilient or compliant componentthat allows the cover plate 1320 to be laterally adjusted relative tocover plate 1310. Stated differently, the dial cover 1320 may belaterally repositioned relative to cover plate 1310 by stretching dialcover 1320 laterally outward. The adjustability of dial cover 1320 withrespect to cover plate 1310 may act on the tightening knob of the reelto allow the tightening mechanism (e.g. knob 1220) to be pulled axiallyoutward relative to the shoe so as to release a tension on the lace andunwind the lace from a spool of the tightening mechanism as describedherein. In this manner, the knob 1220 may be rotated to wind the laceabout a spool of the tightening mechanism and subsequently pulledaxially outward to unwind the lace from the lace as described herein. Insome embodiments, the dial cover 1320 may apply an axial pressure toknob 1220 when the knob 1220 is pulled axially outward so that when auser releases knob 1220, the knob is biased or forced axially inward andable to be rotated to wind the lace about the spool of the tighteningmechanism. In another embodiment, knob 1220 may be rotated in a firstdirection (e.g., clockwise) to wind lace about the spool and may berotated in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) to unwind lacetherefrom. In a specific embodiment, rotation of the spool in a seconddirection by a defined amount (e.g., between 15 and 90 degrees), mayrelease the tension on the lace and allow the lace to be quickly unwoundfrom the spool.

In some embodiments, the dial cover 1320 may have axial clearance forknob 1212 such that the knob may be grasped through side openings in1312 such that the knob may stay in the axial outward and releasedposition. Then the compliant and overlaid dial cover 1320 may functionas a button so that pressing a top surface of the dial cover 1320axially inward causes the dial cover 1322 to displace axially between afirst position, in which the dial cover 1320 is adjacent the outersurface of the shoe, and a second position, in which dial cover 1320 ispositioned axially offset from the shoe. Pressing the dial cover 1320 inthis manner may also cause the knob 1212 to axially displace between thefirst and second position in which the lace may either be wound aroundthe tightening mechanisms spool or unwound therefrom as describedherein.

In some embodiments, the cover plate 1310 may include one or morechannels (not shown) positioned on an interior surface thereof thatdefine lace paths for the lace of the tightening system. The channels onthe interior surface of cover plate 1310 may replace tubing (not shown)which is commonly used to channel and run lace between various regionsor areas of the shoe, such as from the heel to the tongue of the shoe.In another embodiment, tubing (not shown) may be integrated with coverplate 1310 such as being coupled (e.g. adhesively bonded, snapped andthe like) with an interior or exterior surface of cover plate 1310.Cover plate 1310 may be made of a durometer in the range of 20 to 50Shore A to allow it to conform to various shoe shapes and may alsoinclude one or more relief cuts or slots that allow the cover plate 1310to be flexed so as to accommodate and conform to various shaped andsized shoes. Cover plate 1310 may be a relatively hard plastic material,or a relatively soft, resilient, and flexible material.

Referring now to FIG. 58, illustrated is another embodiment of couplinga housing 1410 with a shoe. Specifically, the housing 1410 may beintegrally formed with an outsole 1402 that is subsequently coupled withthe upper material 1420 of the shoe. In one embodiment, the housing 1410may be insert molded with the outsole 1402. In another embodiment, thehousing may be sewn, adhesively bonded, welded, and the like withoutsole 1402. Since housing 1410 is integrally formed with outsole 1402,the use of other components to couple the housing 1410 with the shoe(e.g. a bayonet and the like) may not be needed. Likewise, the use of afoam backing may not be needed since ghosting and/or other issues maynot be as prevalent. In another embodiment, the housing 1410 may becoupled with the midsole of the shoe that is coupled with the uppermaterial 1420 and/or outsole 1402. In some cases, tubing for routinglace may be plugged into corresponding housing tube ports. In othercases, the lace may be routed through channels and then along theoutside surface of the shoe toward the shoe tongue. In otherembodiments, the housing 1410 may be stitched, bonded, glued to theupper and an outsole 1402 may be direct injected to surround the housing1410.

Referring to FIGS. 59a -b, illustrated is another embodiment of couplingthe housing 1410 to a shoe. Specifically, the housing 1410 may beintegrally formed with an outer material 1430 that is subsequentlycoupled with this shoe, such as heel counter 1404. Rather than have thequarters of the shoe sides 1431 overlay the heel counter, in thisinstance the sides are cut away and do not overlap in order to make alighter and thinner heel form. The housing 1410 may be pre-attached tothe foxing or outer material 1430 via sewing, adhesive bonding, molding,and the like. The foam backing may be sandwiched between the housing1410 and outer material 1430 during this process. Attaching the housing1410 to the outer material 1430 in this manner may eliminate the needfor one or more other components to be used, such as a bayonet, and thelike. Attaching the housing 1410 to the outer material 1430 also allowsthe housing and tightening mechanism to easily conform to the shape andsize of the shoe. The outer material 1430 also covers one or more othercomponents of the tightening mechanism, such as tubing 1406 so thatthese components are hidden from view of the user. The outer material1430 may include one or more holes (not shown) and/or channels throughwhich the lace is inserted so that the lace may pass from tubing 1406,which is positioned on the under surface of outer material 1430, to thetightening mechanism, which is positioned on the outer surface of outermaterial 1430.

Referring now to FIGS. 60a -c, illustrated is another embodiment ofcoupling a tightening mechanism 1510 with a shoe 1502. Specifically, aflexible strip of material 1520 may be coupled over the tighteningmechanism 1510 to hide a portion of the tightening mechanism 1510 fromview of a user and/or for various other functional reasons, such as todefine an outer contour of a heel of the shoe or to provide axialpressure to the tightening mechanism 1510. In one embodiment, the stripof flexible material 1520 may be positioned over tightening mechanism1510 so that opposing sides of the tightening mechanism 1510 are exposedand able to be grasped and rotated by a user. In some embodiments, thestrip of flexible material 1520 may include a resilient material thatallows the tightening mechanism 1510 to be pulled axially outward sothat lace may be unwound from a spool of the tightening mechanism. Theflexible material strip 1520 may apply an axial force to tighteningmechanism 1510 to cause the tightening mechanism 1510 to return to aposition axially inward relative to the shoe after lace is unwound fromthe spool of the tightening mechanism. The flexible material strip 1520may provide a relatively visual pleasing appearance to the shoe as wellas providing any of the functional aspects described herein.

FIG. 61 is a perspective view of a lacing system 2100 used fortightening a sport shoe 2102. The sport shoe can be a running shoe, abasketball shoe, and ice skating boot, or snow boarding boot, or anyother suitable footwear that can be tightened around a wearer's foot.The lacing system 2100 can be used to close or tighten various otherarticles, such as, for example, a belt, a hat, a glove, snow boardbindings, a medical brace, or a bag. The lacing system can include areel 2104, a lace 2106, and one or more lace guides 2108. In theillustrated embodiment, the reel 2104 can be attached to the tongue 2110of the shoe. Various other configurations are possible. For example, thereel 2104 can be attached to a side of the sport shoe 2102, which can beadvantageous for shoes in which the shoe sides 2112 a-b are designed tobe drawn closely together when tightened leaving only a small portion ofthe tongue 2110 exposed. The reel 2104 can also be attached to the backof the shoe 6102, and a portion of the lace 2106 can pass through theshoe 2102 on either side of the wearer's ankle such that the lace 2106can be engaged with the reel 2104 when back-mounted.

FIG. 62 is a perspective view of a lacing system 2200 that can besimilar to the lacing system 2100, or any other lacing system describedherein. The lacing system can include a reel 2204 which can be similarto the reel 2104, or any other reel described herein. FIG. 63 is anexploded perspective view of the reel 2204. FIG. 64 is another explodedperspective view of the reel 2204.

With reference to FIGS. 62 to 64, the reel 2204 can include a basemember 2214, a spool member 2216, and a knob member 2218. The basemember can include a housing 2220 and a mounting flange 2222. Thehousing 2220 can include a plurality of housing teeth 2224, which canextend radially inwardly. The housing 2220 can include lace holes 2226a-b that allow the lace 2206 to enter the housing 2220.

The spool member 2216 can be disposed within the housing 2220 such thatthe spool member 2216 is rotatable about an axis 2228 with respect tothe housing 2220. The lace 2206 can be secured to the spool member 2216such that when the spool member 2216 rotates in a tightening direction(shown by arrow A) the lace 2206 is drawn into the housing 2220 and iswound around the channel 2230 formed in the spool member 2216, and whenthe spool member 2216 rotates in a loosening direction (shown by arrowB) the lace 2206 unwinds from the channel 2230 of the spool member 2216and exits the housing 2220 via the lace holes 2226 a-b. The spool member2216 can also include spool teeth 2232 formed thereon. It will beunderstood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be modified suchthat rotation in the direction shown by arrow B will tighten the lacingsystem and such that rotation in the direction shown by arrow A willloosen the lacing system.

The knob member 2218 can be attached to the housing 2220 such that theknob member 2218 can rotate about the axis 2228 with respect to thehousing 2220. The knob member 2218 can include knob teeth 2234 that canbe configured to mate with the spool teeth 2232 to couple the knobmember 2218 to the spool member 2216 such that rotation of the knobmember 2218 in the tightening direction causes the spool member 2216 toalso rotate in the tightening direction. In some embodiments, therotation of the knob member 2218 in the loosening direction can alsocause the spool member 2216 to rotate in the loosening direction. Theknob member 2218 can also include one or more pawls 2236 which can bebiased radially outwardly so as to mate with the housing teeth 2224. Thepawls 2236 and housing teeth 2224 can be configured so that the housingteeth 2224 can displace the pawls 2236 radially inwardly when the knobmember 2218 is rotated in the tightening direction, thereby allowing theknob member 2218 to rotate in the tightening direction. The pawls 2236and the housing teeth 2224 can also be configured so that they engageone another when force is applied to twist the knob member 2218 in theloosening direction, thereby preventing the knob member 2218 fromrotating in the loosening direction.

Thus, the reel 2204 can provide a one-way tightening system configuredto allow the user to rotate the knob member 2218 in the tighteningdirection, which causes the spool member 2216 to rotate in thetightening direction, which in turn causes the lace 2206 to be drawninto the housing 2220 via the lace holes 2226 a-b. As the lace 2206 isdrawn into the housing 2220 the lacing system 2200 can tighten, causingthe lace guide 2208 to be drawn in the direction toward the reel 2204(shown by arrow C in FIG. 62). Although the lacing system 2200 is shownwith a single lace guide 2208, any other suitable number of lace guidescan be used.

In some embodiments, the knob member 2218 can be axially movable alongthe axis 2228 between a first or engaged position and a second ordisengaged position. FIG. 65 is a side view of the reel 2204 showing theknob member 2218 in the disengaged position drawn in normal lines andshowing the knob member 2218 in the engaged position outlined in dottedlines. When in the engaged position, the spool teeth 2232 can engagewith the knob teeth 2234 to couple the knob member 2218 to the spoolmember 2216 as described above. Also, when in the engaged position, thepawls 2236 can engage with the housing teeth 2224 to allow the knobmember 2218 to rotate in the tightening direction while preventing theknob member 2218 from rotating in the loosening direction, as discussedabove.

When in the disengaged position, the knob member 2218 can be positionedaxially further away from the base member 2214 by a distance 2238 thatis sufficient to cause the knob teeth 2234 to lift away from anddisengage the spool teeth 2232 so that the spool member 2216 isdecoupled from the knob member 2218 and the spool member 2216 is free torotate separately from the knob member 2218. Thus, the lace 2206 can bewithdrawn from the housing 2220 as the spool member 2216 rotates in theloosening direction causing the lacing system 2200 to loosen. When inthe disengaged position, the pawls 2236 of the knob member 2218 can belifted away from the housing teeth 2224 such that they disengage and theknob member 2218 is free to rotate in the both the tightening andloosening direction without restriction. In some embodiments, when theknob member 2218 is transitioned to the disengaged position, the knobteeth 2234 disengage from the spool teeth 2232 and the pawls 2236 alsodisengage from the housing teeth 2224. In some embodiments, when theknob member 2218 is transitioned to the disengaged position, the knobteeth 2234 disengage from the spool teeth 2232 while the pawls 2236continue to engage the housing teeth 2224. In some embodiments, when theknob member 2218 is transitioned to the disengaged position, the knobteeth 2234 continue to engage the spool teeth 2232 but the pawls 2236disengage from the housing teeth 2224.

The distance 2238 between the engaged and disengaged positions of theknob member 2318 can be at least about 1 mm and/or no more than about 3mm, and can be about 2.25 mm in some embodiments, although distancesoutside these ranges can also be used. In some embodiments, the distance2238 can be approximately the same, or slightly greater than, the heightof the spool teeth 2232, the height of the knob teeth 2234, the heightof the housing teeth 2224, and/or the height of the pawls 2236.

In some embodiments, because the pawls 2236 engage the housing teeth2224 in a radial direction while the knob member 2218 is movable betweenthe engaged and disengaged positioned in the axial direction, the reel2204 can be resistant to accidental disengagement. When the knob memberis in the engaged position, and a force is applied to attempt to twistthe knob member 2218 in the loosening direction, or lace is pulledtightly causing the spool member 2218 to attempt to twist in theloosening direction, the force is applied to the pawls 2236 as theyengage the housing teeth 2224. Because the pawls 2236 are configured tobe displaced radially, not axially, substantially none of the forceapplied to the pawls 2236 is transferred in the axial direction.Therefore, the reel 2204 can resist higher tightening pressure than somereels in which knob pawls engage housing teeth in the axial direction.

FIG. 66 is a perspective view of the base member 2214. FIG. 67 is a topview of the base member 2214. FIG. 68 is a bottom view of the basemember 2214. FIG. 69 is a cross sectional view of the base member 2214.The base member 2214 a mounting flange 2222 which can be mounted ontothe outside structure of an article of footwear or other article, or themounting flange 2222 can be mounted underneath an outer structure of thearticle so that at least a portion of the mounting flange 2222 is hiddenfrom view. The mounting flange 2222 can be secured to the article bystitching, or in any other suitable manner such as using an adhesive, orusing rivets, etc. The mounting flange 2222 can be contoured to fit aparticular portion of the article (e.g., the back of a shoe), or themounting flange can be flexible to fit a variety of shapes. The mountingflange 2222 can extend fully or partially around the circumference ofthe housing 2220. The mounting flange 2222 can be somewhat resilient toaccommodate the flexing of the article during use. In some embodiments,the mounting flange 2222 can be omitted, and the base member 2214 orhousing 2220 can be mounted to the article by a screw or rivet or otherfastener. For example, a threaded portion of the base member 2214 orhousing 2220 can be threaded into a corresponding threaded connector onthe article. In some embodiments, the mounting flange 2222 is connectedto the article and the reel 2204 is subsequently attached to the flange2222.

The housing 2220 can be attached to, or integrally formed with, themounting flange 2222 and can extend upward therefrom, as illustrated.The housing 2220 can include an outer wall 2240 that surrounds adepression 2242, which can be substantially circular in shape. A shaft2244 can extend axially upwardly from the base of the depression 2242,and the shaft 2244 can be aligned substantially coaxially with thedepression 2242. The shaft 2244 can include a step 2245 or beveledportion where the shaft 2244 meets the base of the depression 2242. Theshaft 2244 can include a bore 2246 in the center thereof which canfacilitate the securing of the knob member 2218 to the housing 2220. Thebore 2246 can be threaded or otherwise configured to axially secure afastener that is inserted therein. The shaft 2244 can form a supportingsurface about which the spool member 2216 can rotate.

The outer wall 2240 of the housing 2220 can be substantially cylindricalin shape and can be substantially coaxial with the shaft 2244. The innersurface of the outer wall 2240 can include a lower portion 2248, and anupper portion 2250. The lower portion 2248 can be generally smooth andcan include a step 2251 or beveled portion where the outer wall 2240meets the base of the depression 2242. The lower portion 2248 caninclude one or more lace openings 2252 a-b which can be in connected tothe lace holes 2226 a-b by lace channels 2254 a-b so that the lace 2206can pass through the housing 2220 and enter the depression 2242. As canbest be seen in FIG. 69, a lower portion of the lace channels 2254 a-bnearest to the lace holes 2226 a-b can be closed while an upper portionof the lace channels 2254 a-b nearest to the lace openings 2252 a-b canbe open at the top. Also, the lace channels 2254 a-b and/or the laceopenings 2252 a-b can be in connected to openings 2256 a-b formed in thebase of the housing 2220. The openings 2256 a-b and the open tops of thelace channels 2254 a-b can provide access to the lace 2206 during useand installation, and can also provide an exit pathway for water orother material that may enter the depression 2242 during use, and canfacilitate the molding of the lace channels 2254 a-b when the basemember 2214 is made of few components (e.g., a single integrated piece).

The housing 2220 can include housing teeth 2224 that extend radiallyinwardly from the upper portion 2250 of the outer wall 2240. In theillustrated embodiment, the housing includes 36 housing teeth 2224, butany other suitable number of housing teeth 2224 can be used. As can bestbe seen in FIG. 67, each of the housing teeth 2224 can include a firstside 2258 and a second side 2260. The first side 2258 can be shorterthan the second side 2260, and in some embodiments, the first side 2258can be about half as long as the second side 2260. In some embodiments,the first side 2258 of the housing teeth 2224 can be at least about 0.5mm long and/or no more than about 1.0 mm long, and can be about 0.85 mmlong, and the second side can be at least about 1.0 mm long and/or nomore than about 2.0 mm long, and can be about 1.75 mm long. Otherdimensions outside of these specific ranges are also possible. The firstside 2258 of the housing teeth 2224 can be angled away from a line thatpoints directly radially inwardly by and angle 2262 that can be at leastabout 5° and/or at most about 15°, and can be about 10° in someembodiments. The second side 2260 of the housing teeth 2224 can beangled away from a line that points directly radially inwardly by anangle 2264 that can be at least about 45° and/or no more than about 65°,and can be about 55° in some embodiments. Other angles outside thesespecially identified ranges are also possible. In some embodiments, thetransition between housing teeth 2224 and between the first and secondsides 2258, 2260 of the housing teeth 2224 can be curved, but hard edgedtransitions can also be used. The housing teeth 2224 can be configuredto interface with the pawls 2236 as discussed in greater detail below.The housing teeth 2224 can include angled top surfaces 2266 tofacilitate the transition of the pawls 2236 from the disengaged toengaged positions as will be described in greater detail below.

The base member 2214 can include one or more guard pieces 2268 that canextend axially upwardly further than the outer wall 2240 of the housing2220 such that the guard piece 2268 can function to cover a portion ofthe knob member 2218 when the knob member 2218 is attached to thehousing 2220. In some embodiments, the guard piece 2268 can be omitted.In some embodiments, the reel 2204 can be disposed within a recess ofthe article such that a portion of the article itself extends to cover aportion of the knob member 2218. The guard 2268, or portion of thearticle functioning as a guard, can protect the knob member 2218 and canreduce the occurrence of accidental disengagement of the knob member2218.

FIG. 70A is a perspective view of the spool member 2216. FIG. 71 isanother perspective view of the spool member 2216. FIG. 72 is a sideview of the spool member 2216. FIGS. 73A-B are a cross sectional bottomviews of the spool member 2216 with the lace 2206 attached thereto. FIG.74 is a top view of the spool member 2216 disposed within the housing2220.

The spool member 2216 can include an upper flange 2270 and a lowerflange 2272 with a substantially cylindrical wall 2274 formedtherebetween. The outer surface of the wall 2274, the bottom surface ofthe upper flange 2270, and the top surface of the lower flange 2272 canform a channel 2230 for collecting the lace 2206 as it is wound aroundthe spool member 2216. The inner surface of the wall 2274 can surround adepression 2276 formed in the bottom of the spool member 2216. A centralopening 2278 can extend through the ceiling of the depression. As canbest be seen in FIG. 74, when the spool member 2216 is disposed withinthe depression 2242 of the housing 2220, the shaft 2244 can pass throughthe central opening 2278 of the spool member 2216. The step 2245 orbeveled edge at the bottom of the shaft 2244 can be received into thedepression 2276 formed in the bottom of the spool member 2216. The lowerflange 2272 can be formed slightly smaller than the upper flange 2270(as can best be seen in FIG. 72) so that the lower flange 2272 can fitinside the step 2251 or beveled edge at the edge of the depression 2242,and to facilitate removal and/or installation of the spool member 2216from/into the housing 2220 with the lace 2206 attached. Thus, in someembodiments, the bottom surface of the lower flange 2272 can sit flushagainst the base of the depression 2242. In some embodiments, a portionof the housing 2220 can be configured to contact a portion of the spoolmember 2216 to maintain the bottom surface of the lower flange 2272 asmall distance from the base of the depression to reduce the amount offriction as the spool member 2216 rotates. When the spool member 2216 isfully inserted into the depression 2242 of the housing 2220, the topsurface of the upper flange 2270 can substantially align with the top ofthe lower portion 2248 of the outer wall 2240 such that the upper flange2270 does not overlap the housing teeth 2224.

Spool teeth 2232 can be formed on the top surface of the spool member2216. In the illustrated embodiment, 12 spool teeth 2232 are shown, butany other suitable number of spool teeth 2232 can be used. Each of thespool teeth 2232 can include a first side 2280 and a second side 2282.The first side 2280 can be substantially vertical in some embodiments.In some embodiments, the first side can be angled by at least about 5°and/or by no more than about 15°, and in some embodiments by about 10°from the vertical plane. The second side 2282 can be angled by at leastabout 35° and/or by no more than about 55°, and in some embodiments byabout 45° from the vertical plane. The first side 2280 can be at leastabout 1.5 mm long and/or no more than about 2.5 mm long, and can beabout 2.0 mm long. The second side can be at least about 2.5 mm longand/or no more than about 3.5 mm long, and can be about 3.0 mm long.Dimensions and angles outside the identified ranges can also be used.The spool teeth 2232 can be configured to interface with the knob teeth2234 as discussed in greater detail herein.

In some embodiments, one or more cutouts 2281 a-b can be formed in theupper flange 2270 of the spool member 2216. Also, in some embodiments,the upper flange 2270 and/or the lower flange can be substantiallycircular in shape, but can have one or more flattened edges 2283 a-d.The cutouts 2281 a-b and/or the flattened edges 2283 a-d can facilitatethe removal of the spool member 2216 from the housing 2220 (e.g., whenreplacing the lace 2206). A screwdriver or other tool can be insertedbetween the spool member 2216 and the housing 2220 wall and the spoolmember 2216 can be pried out of the housing 2220. Many variations arepossible. For example, FIG. 70B is a perspective view of a spool member2216′ which is similar to the spool member 2216 in many respects, exceptthat the upper flange 2270′ and the lower flange 2272′ of the spoolmember 2216′ do not have flattened edges 2283 a-d. Thus, the upperflange 2270′ and the lower flange 2272′ can be substantially circular inshape. In some embodiments, the upper flange 2270′ can include cutouts2281 a′ and 2281 b′ which can facilitate the removal of the spool member2216′ from the housing 2220. In some embodiments, the flanges 2270′ and2272′ that do not include flattened edges 2283 a-d can prevent the lace2206 from becoming trapped or wedged in the gaps formed between thehousing 2220 and the flattened edges 2283 a-d, especially when arelatively thin lace is used.

The depth of the channel 2230 can be at least about 1.5 mm and/or nomore than about 2.5 mm, and in some cases can be about 2.0 mm. Thechannel 2230 can have a width that is at least about 3.0 mm and/or nomore than about 4.0 mm, and in some cases can be about 3.5 mm. The outersurface of the wall 2274 can have a diameter of at least about 10 mmand/or no more than about 20 mm, and can be in some cases about 14 mm.Dimensions outside the given ranges are also possible. The lace 2206 canbe generally small enough in diameter that the channel 2230 can hold atleast about 300 mm of lace and/or no more than about 600 mm of lace, andin some embodiments about 450 mm of lace, although the spool member 2216and lace 2206 can be configured to hold amounts of lace outside thesegiven ranges.

The lace or cable can have a diameter of at least about 0.5 mm and/or nomore than about 1.5 mm, and in some embodiments the diameter can beabout 0.75 mm or 1.0 mm, although diameters outside these ranges canalso be used. The lace 2206 can be a highly lubricious cable or fiberhaving a low modulus of elasticity and a high tensile strength. In someembodiments, the cable can have multiple strands of material woventogether. While any suitable lace can be used, some embodiments canutilize a lace formed from extended chain, high modulus polyethylenefibers. One example of a suitable lace material is sold under the tradename SPECTRA™, manufactured by Honeywell of Morris Township, N.J. Theextended chain, high modulus polyethylene fibers advantageously have ahigh strength to weight ratio, are cut resistant, and have very lowelasticity. One preferred lace made of this material is tightly woven.The tight weave provides added stiffness to the completed lace. Theadditional stiffness provided by the weave offers enhanced pushability,such that the lace is easily threaded (e.g., into the reel 2204).Additionally, in some embodiments, the lace can be formed from a moldedmonofilament polymer. In some embodiments, the lace can be made fromwoven steel with or without a polymer or other lubrication coating.

One or more ends of the lace 2206 can be secured to the spool member2216. In some embodiments, the lace 2206 can be removably or fixedlyattached to the spool member 2216. In some embodiments, the lace 2206can be threaded through a hole formed in the spool member 2216 and aknot can be formed in the end of the lace 2206, or an anchoring membercan be attached thereto, to prevent the end from being pulled backthrough the hole. In some embodiments, the lace 2206 can be tied to aportion of the spool member 2216. The lace can also be secured to thespool member 2216 by an adhesive any other suitable manner. In someembodiments, the lace 2206 is secured to the spool member 2216 byweaving the lace 2206 through a series of openings that cause the lace2206 to turn at such angles so as to produce sufficient friction toprevent the lace 2206 from being dislodged from the spool member 2216.In some embodiments, the lace 2206 wraps over itself so that the lace2206 tightens on itself when pulled. In some embodiments, only one endof the lace 2206 is secured to the spool member 2216, with the other endof the lace 2206 being secured to the base member 2214 or to the articlebeing tightened.

The spool member 2216 can include a first set of lace holes 2284 a, 2286a, 2288 a which can be configured to secure a first end of the lace2206. In some embodiments, a second set of lace holes 2284 b, 2286 b,2288 b can be used to secure the second end of the lace 2206. Laceguides 2290 a-b can also be formed in the depression 2276 to facilitatethe securing of the lace 2206 to the spool member 2216.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 73A, a first end of the lace 2206 canpass through the lace hole 2284 a into the depression 2276. The laceguide 2290 a can direct the lace 2206 toward the lace hole 2286 a, andin some embodiments, the lace guide 2290 a can be positioned such thatthe lace 2206 is wedged between the lace guide 2290 a and a portion 2292a of the wall 2274 between the holes 2284 a and 2286 a. The lace 2206can exit the depression 2276 through the lace hole 2286 a and then turnan angle of approximately 180° to reenter the depression through thelace hole 2288 a. In some embodiments, the tip of the first end of thelace 2206 can be tucked into the opposing lace guide 2290 b to preventthe tip from moving about within the depression 2276 and interferingwith the rotation of the spool member 2216. In some embodiments, theamount of lace 2206 that passes through the lace holes 2284 a, 2286 a,2288 a can be configured so that only a small portion of the lace 2206reenters the depression 2276 through the hole 2288 a so that the tip isnot tucked into the opposing lace guide 2290 b. The second end of thelace 2206 can be secured to the spool member 2216 by the lace holes 2284a, 2286 b, 2288 b, and the lace guide 2290 b, and the portion 2292 b ofthe wall 2274 in like manner.

Other lace securing configurations are possible. For example, in theembodiment shown in FIG. 73B, the first end of the lace 2206 passesthrough the lace hole 2284 a to enter the depression 2276. The laceguide 2290 can direct the lace 2206 toward the lace hole 2288 b, and thelace guide 2290 a can be configured such that the lace 2206 is wedgedbetween the lace guide 2290 a and the portion 2294 a of the walladjacent to the lace hole 2284 a. The lace 2206 can pass through thelace hole 2288 b and then turn an angle of approximately 180° to reenterthe depression 2276 through the lace hole 2286 b. The second end of thelace 2206 can be secured to the spool member 2216 by the lace holes 2284b, 2288 a, 2286 a, and the lace guide 2290 b and the portion 2294 b ofthe wall 2274 in like manner.

FIGS. 73C and 73D illustrate another manner in which the lace 2206 canbe secured to the spool member 2216. As shown in FIG. 73C, the end ofthe lace 2216 is threaded through the lace hole 2284 a into thedepression 2276, then through the lace hole 2286 a out of the depression2276, and then through the lace hole 2288 a back into the depression2276. The end of the lace 2206 can then be passed through the loop inthe lace formed between the lace holes 2284 a, 2286 a, as shown in FIG.73C. The lace 2206 can then be tightened so that the lace crosses underitself as shown in FIG. 73D. For example, the loose end of the lace 2206can be held with one hand while pulling the loop formed between the laceholes 2284 a and 2286 a to remove the slack from the loop formed betweenthe lace holes 2286 a and 2288 a. Then the slack in the loop formedbetween the lace holes 2284 a and 2286 a can be pulled out of thedepression 2276 through the lace hole 2284 a until the lace tightensdown on itself. Thus, once tightened, the lace 2206 bears down on itselfmore tightly when it is pulled, thereby preventing the lace 2206 fromdisengaging from the spool member 2216.

The lace can pass over the top of the portion of the loop that isclosest to the lace hole 2288 a and then under the portion of the loopthat is furthest from the lace hole 2288 a, as shown. Then, when thelace is tightened, the loose end of the lace 2206 can be directedgenerally toward the base of the depression 2276, rather than beingdirected generally out from the depression 2276 as would be the case ifthe lace were threaded over the top of the portion of the loop furthestfrom the lace hole 2288 a. By biasing the loose end of the lace towardthe base of the depression 2276, the loose end of the lace can beprevented from interfering with the insertion of the spool member 2216into the housing 2220. The lace guide 2190 a can be positioned to keepthe loose end of the lace 2206 positioned near the periphery of thedepression 2276 so that the loose end of the lace 2206 does not enterthe central opening 2278 or otherwise interfere with the spool member2216 being inserted into the housing 2220.

FIG. 75 is an exploded perspective view of the knob member 2218. FIG. 76is another exploded perspective view of the knob member 2218. The knobmember can include a knob core 2296, pawls 2236, a spring bushing 2298,a fastener 2300, a knob spring 2302, a knob cover 2304, and a knob grip2306.

The knob core 2296 can be generally disc-shaped. The knob core 2296 caninclude knob teeth 2234 formed on the bottom surface thereof. In theillustrated embodiment, 12 knob teeth 2234 are shown, but any othersuitable number of knob teeth 2234 can be used. In some embodiments, thesame number of knob teeth 2234 and spool teeth 2232 can be used, and theknob teeth 2234 can be shaped similar to, or the same as, the spoolteeth 2232, except that that the knob teeth 2234 are oriented in theopposite direction so that the knob teeth 2234 can engage the spoolteeth 2232. Accordingly, the dimensions described above in connectionwith the spool teeth 2232 can also apply to the knob teeth 2234. Whenthe knob member 2218 is rotated in the tightening direction, the firstsides 2308 of the knob teeth 2234 can press against the first sides 2280of the spool teeth 2232 to drive the spool member 2216 in the tighteningdirection. When a lace 2206 is tightened around the spool member 2216applying a force to the spool member 2216 to cause it to tend to twistin the loosening direction, the second sides 2282 of the spool teeth2232 can bear against the second sides 2310 of the knob teeth 2234 sothat the force is transferred to the knob member 2218 to cause it totend to twist in the loosening direction. As will be discussed below,the force can cause the pawls 2236 to engage with the housing teeth 2224to prevent the knob member 2218 and the spool member 2216 from rotatingin the loosening direction, thereby maintaining the lace 2206 in thetightened configuration.

The knob core 2296 can include features to facilitate the securing ofthe knob cover 2304 thereto. The knob core 2296 can include notches 2312formed in the top surface thereof near the periphery of the knob core2296. Protrusions 2314 can extend radially outwardly from the peripheryof the knob core 2296 at locations below the notches 2312. The knob core2296 can include a central opening 2316 through the center thereof,which can be configured to accept the spring bushing 2298. A top portionof the central opening 2316 can be wider than a lower portion of thecentral opening 2316 forming a step 2318 therein. The knob core 2296 canalso include features to facilitate the securing of the knob springthereto, including, for example, a wide engagement tab 2320 and a narrowengagement tab 2322.

The knob core 2296 can also include pawl depressions 2324, configured toaccept the corresponding pawls 2236. The pawl depressions 2324 can begenerally shaped similarly to the pawls 2236, but can be somewhat largerthan the pawls 2236 to allow the pawls 2236 to pivot and move within thepawl depressions 2324 during operation, as is described in greaterdetail elsewhere herein. The pawl depressions 2324 can include pawlopenings 2326 formed in a portion of the base and/or side thereof toallow a portion of the pawls (e.g., the pawl teeth) to extend throughthe knob core 2296 (as can be seen in the assembled knob member 2218shown in FIG. 64) and interface with the housing teeth 2224.

FIGS. 77 and 78 are perspective views of a pawl 2236. The pawl 2236 caninclude a pawl base 2328, a pawl beam 2330, and a pawl spring 2332. Thepawl base 2328 can be configured to interface with the knob core 2296and/or the knob cover 2304 so that the pawl 2236 can pivot about an axis2334. A pivot tab 2336 can extend upward from the pawl base 2328 alongthe axis 2334. The pivot tab 2336 can be substantially cylindrical inshape and can be coaxial with the axis 2334. A flange 2337 can extendout from one side of the pawl base 2328, and the flange 2337 canfacilitate the pivoting of the pawl 2236. As can be seen in FIGS. 77 and78, in some embodiments, the pawl beam 2330, the pawl spring 2332, andother components of the pawl 2236 can be integrally formed (e.g.,molded) as a single piece.

The pawl beam 2330 can be formed of a material, thickness, and lengthsuch that the pawl beam 2330 is substantially rigid and does not flex asthe pawl 2236 is displaced by the housing teeth 2224 when the knobmember 2218 is rotated in the tightening direction. One or more pawlteeth 2338 a-b can be positioned near the end of the pawl beam 2330opposite the pawl base 2328. In the embodiment shown, two pawl teeth2338 a-b are used, but any other suitable number of pawl teeth 2338 a-bcan be used instead. The pawl teeth 2338 a-b, and in some cases theentire pawl beam 2330, can have an angled or beveled bottom surface 2339which can facilitate the transition of the knob member 2218 from thedisengaged position to the engaged position, as is discussed in greaterdetail elsewhere herein. The pawl beam 2330 can include a step 2340formed where the end of the pawl beam 2330 extends lower than the restof the pawl 2236. The downward extending portion of the pawl beam can beconfigured to extend through, or into, the pawl opening 2326 formed inthe pawl depression 2324 of the knob core 2296.

The pawl base 2328 can include an end surface 2328 a configured toengage surface 2324 a of pawl depression 2324 (as can be seen in FIG.79). In some embodiments, as pressure is applied to one or more pawlteeth 2338, the load can be transferred through pawl beam 2330 to theengagement of end surface 2328 a and surface 2324 a. In someembodiments, as the pawl 2236 pivots radially outwardly about the axis2334, the end surface 2328 a of the pawl base 2328 can abut against thesurface 2324 a of the pawl depression 2324, thereby limiting thedistance that the pawl 2326 can pivot radially outwardly. For example,the pawl 2236 can be permitted to pivot radially outwardly enough toengage the housing teeth 2224, but not significantly further. This canrelieve pressure off of the pawls 2236 when a loosening force is appliedto the knob member 2218, which can produce a component of force urgingthe pawls 2236 radially outward, as discussed below. The interfacebetween the surfaces 2328 a and 2324 a can also limit the radialmovement of the pawls 2236 when the knob member 2218 is in thedisengaged position, thereby keeping the pawls 2236 radially inwardenough that the knob member 2218 can be pressed to the engaged positionwithout substantial interference from the pawls 2236. In someembodiments, pawl 2236 is positioned in pawl depression 2324 and isgenerally trapped between the knob cover 2304 and the knob core 2296. Asexplained below, top tabs 2384 can engage pivot tab 2336 to inhibitaxial movement of the pawl 2236. Similarly, beam tabs 2385 extendingdownward from knob cover 2304 can engage the upper surface of the pawlbeam 2330 to inhibit axial movement thereof.

The pawl spring 2332 can be a cantilever or arch spring as shown in theillustrated embodiment, but any other suitable type of spring can beused. The pawl spring 2332 can extend out from the pawl base 2328 in thesame general direction as the pawl beam 2330. The pawl spring 2332 canbe curved away from the pawl beam 2330. A generally cylindrically shapedend piece 2342 can be formed at the end of the pawl spring. The pawlspring 2332 can be made of a material, thickness, and length such thatthe pawl spring 2332 is resiliently flexible so that it flexes as thepawl 2236 is displaced by the housing teeth 2224 when the knob member2218 is rotated in the tightening direction. The pawl spring 2332 isshown in the relaxed position in FIGS. 77 and 78. In some embodiments,the pawl beam 2330 and the pawl spring 2332 are independently formed andthen coupled to form the pawl 2236. Thus, pawl beam 2330 and pawl spring2332 need not be formed of the same material. For example, a metal pawlbeam 2330 may be advantageous because of its relatively high strength tothickness ratio while it may be advantageous to use a plastic pawlspring 2332. In some embodiments, the same material may be used in each,even when the beam pawl beam 2330 and the pawl spring 2332 areseparately formed. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 77-78, thepawl spring 2332 and the pawl beam 2330 can be integrally formed of thesame material as a single piece, thereby simplifying the manufacturingand assembly cost and complexity. In some embodiments, different springsmay be used than that shown in the illustrated embodiments. For example,a metal or plastic leaf spring or a wire coiled spring may be used insome applications.

Because the pawl beam 2330 and pawl spring 2332 are separate portions,the pawl spring 2332 can be altered to be more easily flexible (e.g., bymaking the pawl spring 2332 thinner) without reducing the amount offorce the pawl beam 2330 is able to withstand as the knob member 2218 istwisted in the loosening direction. Likewise, the pawl beam 2330 can bealtered so that it can withstand greater force applied to the knob 2218in the loosening direction (e.g., by making the pawl beam 2330 thicker)without making the pawl spring 2332 less flexible. Thus, the pawl 2236can be tuned to a desired level of flexibility and strength. Forexample, a pawl 2236 can be configured to withstand large amounts offorce when the knob member 2218 is twisted in the loosening directionwhile also being easily radially displaceable when the knob member 2218is rotated in the tightening direction. In some embodiments, the forceapplied to the pawl 2236 when the knob member 2218 is twisted in theloosening direction is born by the pawl beam 2330 and substantially noneof the force is born by the pawl spring 2332. This configuration can beadvantageous over embodiments in which a pawl includes a load bearingbeam that also flexes to displace the pawl (e.g., during tightening),because the load bearing capability of the flexible pawl is reduced asthe pawl is made more flexible, and the flexibility of the pawl isreduced as the beam is made to withstand higher forces. Thus, when usingthe flexible beam pawl, a sufficient amount of loosening force can causethe pawl beam to buckle, thereby compromising the lacing system.However, when using the pawls 2236, the pawl beam 2330 can be configuredto be substantially rigid even when a relatively large loosening forceis applied, and the pawl spring 2332 can be configured to allow the pawlbeam 2330 to pivot easily when a tightening force is applied.

FIG. 79 is a top view showing the pawls 2236 positioned inside of thepawl depressions 2324 of the knob core 2296. Although the housing 2220is not shown in FIG. 79, the pawls 2236 are shown in the position wherethe pawl teeth 2338 a-b are engaged with the housing teeth 2224. FIG. 80is a top view showing the base member 2214 and the pawls 2236 in thesame position as in FIG. 79 with the pawl teeth 2338 a-b engaged withthe housing teeth 2224. FIG. 81 is a top view of the base member 2214and the pawls 2236 in a displaced configuration as the knob member 2218is rotated in the tightening direction. The elements of the knob member2218, other than the pawls 2236, and the spool member 2216 are omittedfrom the view shown in FIGS. 80 and 81 for simplicity.

In some embodiments, the pawl springs 2332 can be partially flexed to aposition that is less curved than the relaxed position when insertedinto the pawl depressions 2324. The flexed pawl springs 2332 can causethe pawls 2236 to tend to pivot so that the pawl beams 2330 are biasedradially outwardly and so that the pawl teeth 2338 a-b bear radiallyoutwardly against the housing teeth 2224. When the knob member 2218 istwisted in the loosening direction (shown by arrow B) the first sides2344 a-b of the pawl teeth 2338 a-b can bear against the first sides2258 of the housing teeth 2224 to prevent the knob member 2218 fromrotating in the loosening direction. In some embodiments, the pawldepressions 2324 can be configured to receive the pawls 2236 without thepawl springs 2332 needing to be partially flexed. Thus, in someembodiments, the pawl springs 2332 can be in the relaxed position whenthe pawl beams 2330 are engaged with the housing teeth 2224 to preventthe knob 2218 from loosening. When the pawl beams 2330 are displacedaway from the housing teeth 2224, the pawl springs 2332 can transitionfrom a relaxed to a flexed state such that the pawl beams 2330 arebiased toward the housing teeth 2224. Also, as shown for example in FIG.80, in some embodiments, one or more of the pawl teeth 2338 a-b canengaged the housing teeth 2224 at locations that are radially outside atangent line that extends from the pivot axis 2334 of the pawl 2236. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 80, the pawl tooth 2338 b can engage thecorresponding housing tooth 2224 at a location on a line that is angledradially outward from the tangent line C by an angle 2345 that is atleast about 5° and/or less than or equal to about 15°, and can be about10° in some embodiments. Thus, when a loosening force is applied to theknob member 2218 (shown by arrow B), a component of the force isdirected to urge the pawl 2236 to pivot radially outwardly. Thus, asmore loosening force is applied to the knob member 2218, the pawl teeth2338 a-b are urged to engage the housing teeth 2224 more firmly. Thiscan prevent the pawls 2236 from unintentionally disengaging from thehousing teeth 2224 when a large loosening force is applied. As the pawl2236 is urged radially outward, the pawl beam can abut against the tipsof one or more housing teeth 2224 not engaged by the pawl teeth 2338a-b, which can prevent the pawl beam 2330 from buckling outwardly andcan transfer some of the loosening force into the housing. As discussedabove, the surface 2328 a of the pawl base 2328 can abut against thesurface 2324 a of the pawl depression 2324, thereby limiting the amountthat the pawl 2236 can rotate radially outwardly.

In some embodiments, multiple pawl teeth 2338 a-b can be used so thatthe multiple pawl teeth 2338 a-b simultaneously engage multiplecorresponding housing teeth 2224 so that, when the knob member 2218 istwisted in the loosening direction, the applied force is distributedacross multiple teeth per pawl 2236 to prevent the knob member 2218 fromrotating in the loosening direction. By distributing the force acrossmultiple teeth, the housing teeth 2224 and pawl teeth 2338 a-b canrelatively small in size while still providing sufficient engagementsurface area between the first sides 2258 of the housing teeth 2224 andthe first sides 2344 a-b of the pawl teeth 2338 a-b. For example, theengagement of two pawl teeth 2338 a-b with two consecutive housing teeth2224 as shown can provide substantially the same engagement surface areafor resisting rotation in the loosening direction as a single pawl toothand housing tooth of twice the size shown. As the size of the housingteeth 2224 is reduced, the number of housing teeth 2224 can increase,and the tightening resolution of the reel 2204 can increase. When theknob member 2218 is advanced by one housing tooth 2224 in the tighteningdirection (shown by arrow A), the rotational distance that the knobmember 2218 travels is reduced as the size of the housing teeth 2224 isreduced and the number of housing teeth 2224 is increased. Thus, byusing more, and smaller, housing teeth 2224, the tightening resolutionof the reel 2204 is increased so that the lacing system 2200 can betightened more precisely to the desired level of tightness. Also, as thesize of the housing teeth 2224 is reduced, the distance that the pawls2236 are displaced in the radially inward direction when the knob member2218 is tightened is also reduced, thereby making the knob member 2218easier to rotate in the tightening direction. It is important to notethat, in some embodiments, because the multiple pawl teeth 2338 a-b areused, the knob member 2218 can be easily rotated in the tighteningdirection while strongly resisting rotation in the loosening direction.Although two pawl teeth 2338 a-b are shown per pawl 2236, additionalpawl teeth (e.g., three, four, five, or more) can be used, and, in someembodiments, a single pawl tooth can be used. As shown for example inFIG. 80, in some embodiments, one or more of the pawl teeth 2338 a-b andthe housing teeth 2224 can be configured to lock together when fullyengaged, thereby preventing the pawl 2236 from rotating radially inwardunless the knob member 2218 is moved in the tightening direction (shownby arrow A). The surface 2258 of the housing tooth 2224 and the surface2344 a of the pawl tooth 2338 a can be form an angle 2343 (e.g., by atleast about 5° and/or by less than or equal to about 15°, or by about10°) from a line D, which can be perpendicular to the tangent line C forthe pivot axis 2334 of the corresponding pawl 2236. The line D can betangent to the arc tracked by the surface 2344 a of the pawl tooth 2338a as it pivots radially inward. Since the surface 2258 of the housingtooth 2224 is angled towards the pawl beam 2330, the surface 2334 a canabut against the surface 2258 when a force urges the surface 2334 a tomove in the direction of arrow D. Thus, when the pawl tooth 2338 afullyengages the housing tooth 2224 such that the surface 2344 a of the pawltooth 2338 a abuts against the surface 2258 of the housing tooth 2224,the pawl 2236 is prevented from rotating in the radially inwarddirection because radially inward rotation would cause the surface 2344a of the pawl tooth 2338 a to press more firmly against the surface 2258of the housing tooth 2224. The angled interface between the surfaces2258 and 2344 a can also provide a force on the pawl 2236 in theradially outward direction when a loosening force is applied (shown byarrow B). To allow the pawl 2236 to rotate radially inwardly, the pawl2236 can be shifted in the tightening direction (shown by arrow A) sothat the surface 2344 a of the pawl tooth 2338 a disengages from thesurface 2258 of the housing tooth 2224. The other pawl teeth (e.g., pawltooth 2338 b) can operate similar to the pawl tooth 2338 a to preventunintentional disengagement of the pawls 2236.

When the knob member 2218 is rotated in the tightening direction (shownby arrow A), the second sides 2260 of the housing teeth 2224 can slidealong the second sides 2346 a-b of the pawl teeth 2338 a-b, causing thepawls 2236 to rotate about the pivot axis (e.g., about the pivot tab2336) so that the pawl beams 2330 are displaced radially inwardly awayfrom the housing teeth 2224, as shown in FIG. 81. As the pawls 2236rotate, the pawl springs 2232 can be further flexed, for example to aposition that is less curved, and the end piece 2342 can slide along thewall of the pawl depression 2224 that is further away from the pawl base2328. The curved edge of the generally cylindrically shaped end piece2342 can provide a small contact area between the end piece 2342 and thewall of the pawl depression 2224 to reduce the amount of frictiontherebetween as the end piece 2342 slides. Once the tips of the pawlteeth 2338 a-b pass the tips of the housing teeth 2224, the pawls 2236can snap radially outwardly to a position similar to that shown in FIG.80 except that the pawls 2236 are advance by one housing tooth 2224, orone step, in the tightening direction. To tighten the lacing system2200, the user can rotate the knob member 2218 in the tighteningdirection by a desired amount, with the pawls 2236 snapping back aftereach step to prevent rotation in the loosening direction.

As can be seen in FIGS. 80 and 81, the flanges 2337 of the pawls 2236can extend radially outwardly past the tips of the housing teeth 2224,but the flanges 2337 can be positioned near the tops of the pawls 2236where the flanges 2337 do not contact the housing teeth 2224. Rather,the flanges 2337 can contact a portion of the wall 2325 of the pawldepressions 2324, as can be seen in FIG. 79. As the pawls 2236 rotate,the flanges 2337 can roll slightly against the wall of the pawldepressions 2324 to facilitate the desired rotational displacement ofthe pawls 2236. The mating of flange 2337 and wall portion 2325 can alsoassist in maintaining the general radial and axial position of the pawl2236 in the pawl depression 2324.

The pawls 2236 can be configured differently than as shown in theillustrated embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the flexiblearm of the pawl spring 2332 can curve toward the pawl beam 2330 (e.g.,in the opposite direction as that shown in the illustrated embodiments),and a middle portion of the curved arm of the pawl spring 2332 can ridealong a wall of the corresponding depression 2324. In some embodiments,the curved arm can be configured so that it is more curved when in themore flexed position (e.g., when the pawl beam 2330 is displaced awayfrom the housing teeth 2224) than when in the less flexed position(e.g., when the pawl beam 2330 is engaged with the housing teeth 2224).In some embodiments, the flexible arm can be attached to the pawl 2236at locations other than that shown in the illustrated embodiment. Forexample, the flexible arm of the pawl spring 2332 can be extend from theend of the pawl beam 2330 that is furthest from the pivot tab 2336.Other variations are possible. Also, in some embodiments, the pawlspring 2332 can include a flexible arm that extends in generally theopposite direction as the pawl beam 2330, or generally radiallyinwardly, or in various other suitable directions so long as the pawlspring 2332 can be flexed to bias the pawl beam 2330 toward the housingteeth 2224. As discussed above, the pawl spring 2332 can also be madefrom a leaf spring, or a coil spring, or any other suitable biasingmember configured to bias the pawl beam 2330 radially toward the housingteeth 2224.

Although various embodiments discussed herein include housing teeth 2224that extend radially inwardly and pawls 2236 configured to be biasedradially outwardly toward the housing teeth 2224, other configurationsare possible. For example, the housing teeth 2224 can extend radiallyoutwardly. The housing teeth 2224 can be formed, for example, on theoutside surface of the shaft 2244 or similar structure. In theseembodiments, the pawls 2236 can be configured to be biased radiallyinwardly toward the housing teeth 2224. In some embodiments it may beadvantageous to position the housing teeth 2224 nearer to the peripheryof the reel 2204 (e.g., as shown in the illustrated embodiments) so thatthe housing teeth 2224 are disposed along a larger circumference so thatmore housing teeth 2224 can be included, thereby increasing thetightening resolution (the number of teeth per revolution) of the reel2204.

FIG. 82 is a top view of the knob core 2296, the spring bushing 2298,the fastener 2300, and the knob spring 2302 in the assembledconfigurations. With reference now to FIGS. 75, 76, and 82, the springbushing 2298 can be generally cylindrical in shape and can have acentral opening 2348 formed through the center thereof. The outersurface of the spring busing 2298 can be wider at a top portion 2349than at a bottom portion 2351, forming a step 2350 which can beconfigured to abut against the step 2318 formed in the central opening2316 of the knob core 2296 when the spring bushing 2298 is fullyinserted into the central opening 2316 of the knob core 2296. In thecentral opening 2348 that passes through the center of the springbushing 2298, the upper portion can be wider than a lower portion, toform a step 2352.

The head 2354 of the fastener 2300 can abut against the step 2352 in thecentral opening of the spring bushing 2298 when the fastener 2300 isfully inserted into the central opening 2348 of the spring bushing 2298.The fastener 2300 can be a screw having a shaft 2356 that includesthreads 2358 configured to engage the threads formed in the bore 2246formed in the shaft 2244 of the housing. In some embodiments, the bore2246 can include a threaded metal insert or a plastic thread molded aspart of the bore 2246. In some embodiments, the bore 2246 does not havepreformed threads, and the threads 2358 of the fastener 2300 can formthe threads in the bore the first time that the fastener 2300 isinserted into the bore 2246. The head 2354 can include a notch 2360,which can be hexagonally or cross shaped, or otherwise configured toallow a screwdriver or other tool to turn the fastener 2300. In someembodiments, the knob member 2218 can be coupled to the housing 2220 insome other way, such as using a snap together fastener or rivet orultrasonic welding. Other alternatives are possible.

The knob spring 2302 can include a pair of opposing engagement portions2362 a-b which can be configured to engage the spring bushing 2298. Apair of end pieces 2364 a-b can extend approximately orthogonally fromthe engagement portions 2362 a-b in an inward direction. Aninterconnecting portion 2368, which can be shaped to follow the partialcircumference of a circle, can be attached to the engagement portions2362 a-b by curved connectors 2370 a-b.

The knob spring 2302 can be secured to the knob core 2296. The wideengagement tab 2320 can be configured to fit between the curvedconnectors 2370 a-b of the knob spring 2302, and the narrow engagementtab 2322 can be configured to fit between the end pieces 2364 a-b of theknob spring 2302 to prevent the knob spring 2302 from rotating orotherwise moving with respect to the knob core 2296. In someembodiments, the wide engagement tab 2320 and/or the narrow engagementtab 2322 can be configured to receive the knob spring 2302 so that theknob spring 2302 is maintained in a slightly flexed configuration withthe curved connectors 2370 a-b bearing against the wide engagement tab2320 and/or the end pieces 2364 a-b bearing against the narrowengagement tab 2322. In some embodiments, the knob spring 2302 can beprevented from moving axially by the knob cover 2304 when it is attachedto the knob core 2296.

The knob spring 2302 can be configured such that the engagement portions2362 a-b can be resiliently moved apart from one other to allow theupper wide portion 2349 of the spring bushing 2298 to pass between theengagement portions 2362 a-b. The spring bushing 2298 can be in adisengaged position, as shown in FIG. 82, where the spring bushing 2298is located below the engagement portions 2362 a-b. In the engagedposition, the upper wide portion 2349 of the spring bushing 2298 can bedisposed above the engagement portions 2362 a-b of the knob spring 2302.The upper wide portion 2349 of the spring bushing can be wider than thedistance between the engagement portions 2362 a-b of the knob spring2302 to prevent the spring bushing from inadvertently transitioningbetween the engaged and disengaged positions. To transfer the springbushing 2298 from the engaged to the disengaged positions, a force canbe applied, for example by pulling the knob member 2218 in the axialdirection away from the base member 2214, that causes the spring bushing2298 to press down against the engagement portions 2362 a-b causing theengagement portions 2362 a-b to resiliently separate from one anotheruntil the upper wide portion 2359 of the spring bushing 2298 passesbetween the engagement portions 2362 a-b. To transfer the spring bushing2298 from the disengaged to the engaged positions, a force can beapplied, for example by pushing the knob member 2218 in the axialdirection toward the base member 2214, that causes the spring bushing2298 to press up against the engagement portions 2362 a-b causing theengagement portions 2362 a-b to resiliently separate from one anotheruntil the upper wide portion 2359 of the spring bushing 2298 passesbetween the engagement portions 2362 a-b.

Many variations are possible. For example, in some embodiments, theengagement portions 2362 a-b can be maintained rigidly in place and thespring bushing 2298 can be made from a resiliently compressible materialso that the spring bushing 2298 can transition between the engaged anddisengaged positions by resiliently compressing and passing between theengagement portions 2362 a-b. In some embodiments, the fastener 2300 andthe spring bushing 2298 can be combined into a single piece. The knobspring 2302 can assume a variety of other shapes and can be attached tothe knob core 2296 in a variety of other manners such that theengagement portions 2262 a-b are configured to resiliently flex awayfrom one another. The spring bushing 2298 can be formed in various othershapes than that shown in the illustrated embodiments. In someembodiments, the spring bushing 2298 can be rotationally asymmetricaland can rotate with the knob core 2296 and knob spring 2302. Thus, insome cases, the spring bushing 2298 can have flat sides that engage theknob spring 2302 along a line instead of just at a point.

With reference now to FIGS. 75 and 76, the knob cover 2304 can begenerally disc shaped. The knob cover 2304 can have a domed or generallyfrustoconical top wall 2372 and a peripheral wall 2374 with a cavity2376 formed therein. A central opening 2378 can be formed at the centerof the top wall 2372 to allow a screwdriver or other tool to be insertedtherethrough to engage the notch 2360 on the fastener 2300. The knobcover 2304 can include securing tabs 2380 and notches 2382 configured toengage the corresponding notches 2312 and protrusions 2314 on the knobcore 2196 to secure the knob cover 2304 to the knob core 2296 using asnap-fit connection. The knob cover 2304 can be secured to the knob core2296 in various other ways such as using an adhesive, a threadedconnection, ultrasonic welding, or any other suitable manner. The knobcover 2304 can be either fixedly or removably attached to the knob core2296. When the knob cover 2304 is attached to the knob core 2296, thepawls 2236, the spring bushing 2298, the fastener 2300, and the knobspring 2302 can be enclosed therebetween.

Top tabs 2384 can extend downward from the underside of the top wall2372 of the knob cover 2304. The top tabs 2384 can align with the pivottabs 2336 of the pawls 2236, and the bottom surfaces of the top tabs2384 can contact, or nearly contact, the top surfaces of the pivot tabs2336 of the pawls 2236 to thereby prevent the pawls from moving axially.Many variations are possible. In some embodiments, the pivot tabs 2336of the pawls 2236 can fit into bores formed in the knob cover 2304 tosecure the pawls 2236 and allow the pawls 2236 to pivot about the pivottabs 2336.

A recess 2386 can be formed at the center of the cavity 2376, and therecess 2386 can be configured to receive the upper wide portion 2349 ofthe spring bushing 2298 when the spring bushing 2298 is in the engagedposition.

The peripheral wall 2374 of the knob cover 2304 can include notches 2388configured to receive corresponding tabs 2390 formed on the insidesurface of the knob grip 2306. The knob grip 2306 can be generallydoughnut shaped and can include raised portions 2392 and/or depressions2394 on the outside surface to facilitate the gripping of the knobmember 2218. In some embodiments, the knob grip 2306 can be omitted orcan be divided into intermittent portions disposed about the peripheryof the knob cover 2304. Other variations are possible.

An opening 2396 can be formed in a portion of the top wall 2372 of theknob cover 2304 to provide a view of some of the internal components ofthe reel 2204 during use, or to provide an exit path for water or otherforeign material to exit the reel 2204. In some embodiments, the opening2396 can be omitted.

As mentioned above, the knob member 2218 can be axially movable betweenengaged and disengaged positions. FIG. 83A is an exploded view of thereel 2204 with the knob member 2218 in the engaged configuration. FIG.83B is a cross sectional view of the reel 2204 with the knob member 2218in the engaged configuration. FIG. 84A is an exploded view of the reel2204 with the knob member 2218 in the disengaged configuration. FIG. 84Bis a cross sectional view of the reel 2204 with the knob member 2218 inthe disengaged configuration. The knob member 2218 can be secured to thebase member 2214 by twisting the fastener 2300 so that the threads 2358mate with corresponding threads in the bore 2246 formed in the shaft2244. In some embodiments, when the fastener 2300 is sufficientlytightened, the portion of the shaft 2244 that extends up past the spoolmember 2216 can enter into a lower portion of the central opening 2348formed through the spring bushing 2298. The bottom edge 2398 of thespring bushing 2298 can abut against, or nearly contact, the annularregion 2400 inside of the spool teeth 2232.

When the knob member 2218 is in the engaged position, as shown in FIGS.83A and 83B, the spring bushing 2298 and the fastener 2300 can bemaintained in an raised position by the knob spring 2302, as discussedabove, so that the bottom edge 2398 of the spring bushing 2298 does notextend past the central opening 2316 of the knob core 2296. Thus, theknob member 2218 is maintained in the lower engaged position (shown indotted lines in FIG. 65), with the bottom of the knob core 2296 abuttingagainst, or in close proximity to, the top surface of the spool member2216. Thus, when in the engaged position, the knob teeth 2234 engage thespool teeth 2232, and the pawls 2236 engage the housing teeth 2224.

When the knob member 2218 is in the disengaged position, as shown inFIGS. 84A and 84B, the spring bushing 2298 and the fastener 2300 can bemaintained in a lowered position by the knob spring 2302, as discussedabove, so that the bottom edge 2398 of the spring bushing 2298 extendspast the central opening 2316 of the knob core 2296 by at least about1.0 mm and/or by no more than about 3.0 mm, and in some embodiments byabout 2.25 mm, although other configurations outside these ranges arealso possible. Since the bottom edge 2398 of the spring bushing 2298continued to abut against, or nearly contact, the annular region 2400 ofthe spool member 2216, the knob member 2218 is raised away from thespool member 2216 and base member 2214 by an amount (e.g., about 2.25mm) sufficient to cause the knob teeth 2234 to disengage from the spoolteeth 2232 and/or to cause the pawls 2236 to disengage from the housingteeth 2224. In the embodiment shown, when the knob is in the disengagedposition, the knob teeth 2234 disengage from the spool teeth 2232 andthe pawls 2236 also disengage from the housing teeth 2224. Thus, in theillustrated disengaged configuration the spool member 2216 can be freeto rotate in the loosening direction independent of the knob member 2218to loosen the lacing system 2200, and the knob member 2218 can be freeto rotate in both the tightening and loosening directions.

Many variations are possible. In some embodiments, when in thedisengaged position, the knob teeth 2234 can disengage from the spoolteeth 2232 while the pawls 2236 continue to engage the housing teeth2224 (e.g., if the step 2340 shown in FIG. 77 were made larger so thatthe pawl teeth 2338 a-b extended further downward). In theseembodiments, the knob member 2218 can be impeded from rotating in theloosening direction even when in the disengaged position, but the spoolmember 2216 can be free to rotate in the loosening direction independentof the knob member 2218 to allow the lace 2206 to be withdrawn to loosenthe lacing system 2200. In some embodiments, when in the disengagedposition, the knob teeth 2234 can continue to engage the spool teeth2232 (e.g., if the knob teeth 2234 and/or the spool teeth 2232 were madetaller than in the illustrated embodiments) while the pawls 2236 candisengage from the housing teeth 2224. In these embodiments, the spoolmember 2216 continues to be coupled to the knob member 2218 even when inthe disengaged position, but the knob member 2218 and spool member 2216are permitted to rotated together in the loosening direction to releasethe lace 2206 from the reel 2204 to loosen the lacing system 2200. Othervariations are also possible. For example, in some embodiments, thespool member 2216 can be integrally formed with, or fixedly attached to,or removablly attached to the knob member 2218, and the spool teeth 2232and knob teeth 2234 can be omitted.

As mentioned above, when in the disengaged position, the pawls 2236 canbe raised sufficiently to disengage from the housing teeth 2224. In someembodiments, because the pawls are biased radially outwardly by the pawlsprings 2232, the pawls 2236 can deflect radially outwardly so thatportions of the bottom surfaces of the pawls 2236 are positioned aboveportions of the top surfaces of the housing teeth 2224. Thus in someembodiments, when the knob member 2218 is transitioned back to theengaged position, the pawls 2236 must be deflected radially inwardly sothat they can reengage with the housing teeth 2224. As also mentionedabove, at least a portion of the top surfaces 2266 of the housing teeth2224 can be angled or beveled and/or at least a portion of the bottomsurfaces 2339 of the pawls 2236 can be angled or beveled, so that thedownward pressure applied when the knob member is returned to theengaged position can cause the pawls 2236 to deflect radially inwardlyto facilitate the reengagement of the pawls 2236 with the housing teeth2224. In some embodiments, the pawl depressions 2324 or other portionsof the knob member 2218, can be configured to prevent the pawls 2236from deflecting radially outwardly past the radial position where thepawls 2236 engage the housing teeth 2224, thereby reducing oreliminating the need to deflect the pawls 2236 inwardly whentransitioning the knob member 2218 to the engaged position.

The knob member 2218 can be transitioned from the engaged position tothe disengaged position by pulling the knob member 2218 axially awayfrom the base member 2214 with enough force to cause the spring bushing2298 to displace the knob spring 2302 and pass therethrough. Totransition the knob member 2218 from the disengaged position to theengaged position the knob member 2218 can be pushed in the axialdirection toward the base member 2214 with enough force to cause thespring bushing 2298 to displace the knob spring 2302 and passtherethrough.

The radial engagement of the pawls 2236 with the housing teeth 2224 canreduce or eliminate the occurrence of unintentionally transitioning theknob member 2218 from the engaged to disengaged positions by applyingforce to tend to twist the knob member 2218 in the loosening direction.If the lace 2206 is pulled, it can impart a force tending to twist thespool member 2216 in the loosening direction, and the force can betransferred to the knob 2218 via the spool teeth 2232 and knob teeth2234, and the pawls 2236 can distributed the force radially among acertain number of the housing teeth 2224. Because the pawls 2236 engagethe housing teeth radially, not axially, and because the pawls 2236 areconfigured to be displaced radially (when tightening the reel 2204),substantially none of the force is applied to the knob 2218 in the axialdirection. Thus, the radial pawls 2236 do not impart any substantialforce in the direction of the axial direction that would tend toseparate the spool teeth 2232 from the knob teeth 2234 which can lead tounintentional disengagement of the knob member 2218 and/or unintentionalloosening of the spool member 2216. Thus, the reel 2204 can beconfigured to withstand greater amounts of force applied to pull on thelace 2206 or applied to try and twist the knob member 2218 in theloosening direction without unintentionally causing the knob member 2218to disengage than a reel 2204 in which the pawls axially engage thehousing teeth and the pawls are configured to displace axially duringtightening.

Also, in some embodiments, the force applied to the pawls 2236 when theknob 2218 is twisted in the loosening direction is born by the pawlbeams 2330 such that substantially none of the force is transferred tothe pawl springs 2332. Thus, the pawl springs 2332 can be configured tobe easily flexible while the pawl beams 2330 can be configured to besubstantially rigid. Therefore, the pawls 2236 can be configured toresist a relatively large amount of force applied to twist the knobmember 2218 in the loosening direction because that force is born by therigid pawl beams 2330, while the pawls can also be configured to rotateradially when a relatively small force is applied to twist the knobmember 2218 in the tightening direction because that force istransferred to the flexible pawl springs 2332.

The components of the lacing systems described herein can be formed fromany suitable material such as, but not limited to, plastic, carbon orother fiber reinforced plastic, aluminum, steel, rubber, or any othersuitable material or combination of such materials. In some embodiments,the base member 2214, spool member 2216, knob core 2296, pawls 2236,spring bushing 2298, knob cover 2304, lace guides, or any other suitablecomponents described herein can be injection molded or otherwise formedfrom any suitable polymeric material, such as nylon, PVC or PET. Some ofthe components described herein can be formed from a lubricious plasticsuch as PTFE, or other material useful in reducing the friction betweena lace and such components as desired. Additionally, some of thecomponents described herein can be coated or layered with a lubriciousmaterial to reduce the friction with interacting components or parts.The fastener 2300, and the knob spring 2302 can be made from a metal(e.g., aluminum or steel), but other materials can also be used such asplastics. The knob grip 2306 can be formed from rubber, or latex, orsilicon, or any other material to facilitate the gripping of the knobmember 2218.

FIG. 85 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a basemember 2414 which can be used in place of the base member 2214 discussedabove. The base member 2414 can include a housing 2420 and a mountingflange 2422 and can be generally similar to the base member 2214described above, except that the lace holes 2426 a-b can be configuredto direct the lace generally radially away from the base member 2414rather than axially away from the base member 2214 as shown, forexample, in FIG. 62. Also, the lace holes 2426 a-b are placed generallyon the same side of the base member 2414, rather than on opposite endsas in the base member 2214 discussed above. Many variations are possibledepending on the particular application to which the lacing system isapplied. For example, in some embodiments, the base member can includeonly one lace hole and only one end of the lace can enter the housingand attach to the spool member. In these embodiments, the other end ofthe lace can attach to the base member or to the article beingtightened.

FIG. 86 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of a knob core2596 which can be used in a reel that can be similar in many ways to thereel 2204 described herein. The knob core 2596 can include pawls 2536which can be integrally formed with the knob core 2596 to simplifyconstruction and assembly of the reel. In other embodiments, the pawls2536 can be attached to the knob core 2596 in any suitable manner. Thepawls 2536 can include pawl arms 2532 which can be made of a material,thickness, and length so as to be flexible to allow the pawls 2536 to bedisplaced radially inwardly by housing teeth as the knob core 2596 isrotated in the tightening direction (shown by arrow A) in a mannersimilar to that described above. The pawls 2536 can include pawl teeth2538 a-b formed at the ends of the pawl arms 2532. In the illustratedembodiment two pawl teeth 2538 a-b are used per pawl 2536, but any othersuitable number of pawl teeth 2538 a-b can be used.

When the knob core 2596 is twisted in the loosening direction (shown byarrow B), the pawl teeth 2538 a-b can bear against housing teeth (notshown in FIG. 86) to prevent the knob core 2596 from rotating in theloosening direction. The force arrows drawn in FIG. 86 illustrate thedirections in which the force is distributed radially. As the pawl teeth2538 a-b bear against the housing teeth, a force is applied from thepawl teeth 2538 a-b to the housing teeth as shown. The pawl arms 2532can be curved as shown so that, when the pawl teeth 2538 a-b bearagainst the housing teeth, the pawl arms 2532 tend to flex or buckleradially outwardly as shown by arrows in FIG. 86. The pawls 2536 can beconfigured such that the housing teeth abut against the pawl arms 2532such that, as the pawl arms 2532 attempt to flex or buckle radiallyoutwardly, they bear against the tips of the housing teeth, distributethe force radially to the housing teeth, and are prevented frombuckling. In some embodiments, the housing teeth can substantiallyprevented the pawl arms 2532 from moving radially outwardly. Becausepawls 2536 engage the housing teeth radially, not axially, and becausethe pawls 2536 are configured to be displaced radially, not axially,during tightening, substantially none of the force applied when twistingin the loosening direction is applied axially thereby reducing oreliminating the occurrence of unintentional axial movement of the knobcore 2596 from the engaged position to the disengage position.

Although the disclosure is discussed in terms of certain embodiments, itshould be understood that the disclosure is not limited to theembodiments specifically shown and discussed. The embodiments areexplained herein by way of example, and there are numerousmodifications, variations, and other embodiments that may be employedwithin the scope of the present inventions. Components can be added,removed, and/or rearranged both with the individual embodimentsdiscussed herein and between the various embodiments. For purposes ofthis disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features aredescribed herein. It should be understood that not necessarily all suchadvantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment.Thus, for example, those of skill in the art will recognize that theinventions may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves oneadvantage or a group of advantages at taught or suggested herein withoutnecessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggestedherein.

Although various embodiments of lacing systems are described herein, thevarious components, features, or other aspects of the embodiments of thelacing systems described herein can be combined or interchanged to formadditional embodiments of lacing systems not explicitly describedherein, all of which are contemplated as being a part of the presentdisclosure. In addition, while a number of variations have been shownand described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scopeof the this disclosure, will be readily apparent to those of skill inthe art based upon this disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the scopeof the disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosedembodiments described above.

1.-30. (canceled)
 31. A shoe comprising: a sole; an upper attached tothe sole; a tightening mechanism coupled to the upper, the tighteningmechanism comprising a rotatable knob; a tension member that isoperationally coupled to the tightening mechanism such that rotation ofthe knob in a tightening direction tensions the tension member andthereby tightens the shoe; and a flexible strip of material coupled withthe upper and positioned about the upper so that a portion of the stripof material is disposed over the tightening mechanism and so that thestrip of material exerts an axial pressure or force on the tighteningmechanism.
 32. The shoe of claim 31, wherein the tightening mechanismand strip of material are coupled with a heel portion of the shoe. 33.The shoe of claim 31, wherein the strip of material is positioned overthe tightening mechanism so that at least a portion of the tighteningmechanism is exposed.
 34. The shoe of claim 31, wherein the strip ofmaterial is positioned over the tightening mechanism so that opposingsides of the tightening mechanism are exposed for grasping and rotationby a user.
 35. The shoe of claim 31, wherein the strip of materialincludes a resilient material that enables the tightening mechanism tobe pulled axially outward from the shoe.
 36. The shoe of claim 35,wherein the axial force applied by the strip of material is sufficientto cause the tightening mechanism to return to an axially inwardposition after the tightening mechanism is release by a user.
 37. Theshoe of claim 31, wherein opposing ends of the strip of material arecoupled with the upper and a mid-portion of the strip of material ispositioned over the tightening mechanism.
 38. An article comprising: abase material; a tightening mechanism coupled to the base material, thetightening mechanism comprising a rotatable knob; a tension memberoperably coupled with the tightening mechanism such that rotation of theknob in a tightening direction tensions the tension member and tightensthe article; and a strip or segment of material positioned about thebase material and coupled therewith so that a portion of the strip orsegment of material is disposed over the tightening mechanism and exertsa pressure or force on the tightening mechanism that is directed towardthe base material.
 39. The article of claim 38, wherein the basematerial comprises a hole and at least a portion of the tighteningmechanism extends through the hole in the base material.
 40. The articleof claim 38, wherein the article is a shoe and wherein the tighteningmechanism and the strip or segment of material are coupled with a heelportion of the shoe.
 41. The article of claim 38, wherein the strip orsegment of material is positioned over the tightening mechanism so thatat least a portion of the tightening mechanism is exposed.
 42. Thearticle of claim 38, wherein the strip or segment of material ispositioned over the tightening mechanism so that opposing sides of thetightening mechanism are exposed for grasping and rotation by a user.43. The article of claim 38, wherein the strip or segment of materialincludes a resilient material that enables the tightening mechanism tobe pulled axially outward from the article.
 44. The article of claim 43,wherein the force or pressure applied by the strip or segment ofmaterial is sufficient to cause the tightening mechanism to return to anaxially inward position after the tightening mechanism is release by auser.
 45. The article of claim 38, wherein opposing ends of the strip orsegment of material are coupled with the base material so that amid-portion of the strip or segment of material is positioned over thetightening mechanism.
 46. A method of making an article comprising:providing a base material; coupling a tightening mechanism to the basematerial, the tightening mechanism comprising a rotatable knob;positioning a tension member about the article and operationallycoupling the tension member with the tightening mechanism such thatrotation of the knob in a tightening direction tensions the tensionmember and tightens the article; and coupling a strip or segment ofmaterial with the base material so that a portion of the strip orsegment of material is disposed over the tightening mechanism and exertsa pressure or force on the tightening mechanism that is directed towardthe base material.
 47. The method of claim 46, wherein the base materialcomprises a hole and coupling the tightening mechanism to the basematerial comprises positioning the tightening mechanism such that atleast a portion of the tightening mechanism extends through the hole inthe base material.
 48. The method of claim 46, wherein the strip orsegment of material is a resilient material that enables the tighteningmechanism to be pulled axially outward from the article.
 49. The methodof claim 46, further comprising positioning the strip or segment ofmaterial over the tightening mechanism so that opposing sides of thetightening mechanism are exposed for grasping and rotation by a user.50. The method of claim 46, further comprising coupling opposing ends ofthe strip or segment of material with the base material so that amid-portion of the strip or segment of material is positioned over thetightening mechanism.